Starmer rival predicts when leadership challenge will happen

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 01:40

Sir Keir Starmer will face a Labour leadership challenge next week, former health secretary and rival Wes Streeting has told Sky News.

Speaking on The Cathy Newman Show, Mr Streeting, who has previously said he would put himself forward if a race were triggered, said "we can't go on with this uncertainty" and "will inevitably end up in a contest".

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Pushed multiple times on whether that would mean a formal challenge next week, he agreed.

Next week could see Andy Burnham back in parliament, if he wins the Makerfield by-election this Thursday.

Mr Streeting said he would "rather the prime minister came to his own conclusion" than be forced from office.

"He says he's going to fight a contest. I would like him to reflect," he added.

"I've left the government. I do have respect for Keir Starmer. I like him personally very much, actually, but I think he's got to reflect on his position."

'I don't think he's listening'

He claimed the prime minister is not heeding the warnings from ex-defence secretary John Healey, who resigned last week, and military chiefs about the need to significantly boost spending on defence.

"In terms of the Labour Party, I don't think he's listening to his cabinet; I don't think he's listening to the parliamentary party, and I don't think he's listening to voters, who only in May sent the Labour Party that extremely humbling message at the ballot box," Mr Streeting added.

Mr Streeting said he is "happy to work with" fellow rival Mr Burnham but hinted he won't do a deal with the Manchester mayor not to stand against him should he win a return to parliament later this week.

"I do think that we need a contest," he said.

"I think it's got to be a battle of ideas, not just personalities. I intend to be in that contest."

Mr Burnham has indicated he intends to run for the leadership if he wins in Makerfield, while Mr Streeting has claimed to have the backing of the 80 MPs needed to trigger a challenge.

Sky News