LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced his most significant challenge yet on Wednesday as his health minister reportedly prepared to resign in a bid to trigger a contest to replace the embattled leader. The crisis overshadowed the King's Speech, where Starmer sought to outline his government's agenda amid growing calls for his resignation following one of Labour's worst electoral defeats.
Leadership Threat Looms
According to a report in The Times newspaper, Health Minister Wes Streeting is expected to resign as early as Thursday to mount a leadership challenge. This move could derail the government's agenda, which was formally presented by King Charles during the State Opening of Parliament. The ceremony, typically a moment of political pageantry, was marred by the prospect of internal strife within the Labour Party.
Market Reaction
Government borrowing costs spiked on the news of Streeting's potential resignation, though they later eased from multi-decade highs reached on Tuesday amid ongoing political turmoil. Starmer's spokesperson expressed full confidence in the health minister but declined to comment on a private meeting between the two men at Downing Street.
Streeting's team also refused to discuss the meeting, citing a desire to avoid distracting from the King's Speech. In a post on X, Streeting highlighted his achievements in reducing waiting times for the state-run National Health Service, writing, "Lots done, lots to do," without addressing the resignation rumors.
Path to Leadership
To launch a formal leadership bid, Streeting would need the backing of 81 Labour lawmakers. This threshold could encourage other potential contenders to enter the race, though two possible challengers—Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner—face significant obstacles before they can run.
Starmer's Waning Authority
Starmer had hoped to bolster his diminishing authority by unveiling his government's agenda. However, the King's Speech offered little new for the more than 90 Labour lawmakers who have demanded a timeline for his departure. In the speech's preface, Starmer pledged an "urgent, activist Labour government" that would break with tradition and avoid relying on the "status quo."
Despite these promises, the King's Speech largely formalized previously announced policies, including efforts to stimulate sluggish economic growth by strengthening ties with the European Union.
