Britain's Health Minister Has Resigned
- 16.05.2026, 9:09
And stated a lack of confidence in Starmer.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned, saying he has "lost confidence" in Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He became the first cabinet member to leave the government since the start of the party revolt following Labor's crushing defeat in local elections.
It was reported by CNN.
Why he left
In a letter to Starmer, Streeting wrote that it would be "dishonest and unprincipled" to remain in government. He said last week's election had put "nationalists in power in every corner" of the country and progressive voters were "losing faith" in Labor.
"Where vision is needed, there is a vacuum. Where direction is needed - drift," he wrote.
Streeting also said Starmer obviously will not lead Labor into the next election in 2029, and called for a wide-ranging discussion about the party's future.
The leadership race begins
Streeting's resignation could kick off a leadership battle in the party. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner announced on the same day a settlement of a tax avoidance scandal - paving the way for her to enter the race.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced he will seek a seat in parliament - a prerequisite for entering the leadership contest.
Streeting has not formally announced he is entering the race - he needs the support of at least 81 Labor MPs to do so.
Starmer stays
The prime minister has accepted his resignation and appointed James Murray as the new health minister. Starmer once again reiterated his intentions to stay in post, warning that a change of leader would plunge Britain into "chaos".
Significantly, it was on the day of Streeting's resignation that figures were published showing NHS waiting lists fell by 110,000 patients in March - the biggest monthly figure since 2008.
Nearly a month ago, Labour suffered its worst local election defeat for a governing party in more than three decades - while the Reform Party made significant gains. Internal disputes have since escalated within the party.
Deputy Catherine West said that if no minister initiates a challenge to Starmer by Monday, she will launch her own leadership change procedure.
Cabinet Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds warned colleagues against such moves, recalling that ruling party leadership changes have repeatedly led to instability over the past 10 years. Starmer, meanwhile, has said he has no plans to leave office.