14.05.2026 17:20
The crisis is deepening in the Labour Party, which suffered a heavy defeat in local elections in the UK. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, announced his departure from his post. Streeting stated that he had lost confidence in the leadership, while internal searches for a new leader have accelerated. Having suffered major losses in the local elections, the Labour Party fell behind the far-right Reform UK, and approximately 100 MPs called for Starmer's resignation.
The crisis is deepening in the Labour Party, which suffered a heavy defeat in local elections in the UK. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, announced he was stepping down from his position.
“I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN YOUR LEADERSHIP”
The internal crisis deepened within the Labour Party, which suffered major losses in local elections held on May 7 in the UK. Following calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his resignation from his post.
In his resignation letter shared on his social media account, Streeting stated that he had lost confidence in Starmer's leadership, using the expression, “I have decided that remaining in office would be dishonorable and unprincipled.”
LEADERSHIP DEBATE WITHIN THE PARTY
In his letter, Streeting argued that it was clear the Labour Party would not go into the next general election under Starmer's leadership and said that the new era in the party should be shaped by ideas rather than personal rivalries.
While it was noted that some MPs within the party support Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerging as a candidate for leadership, Wes Streeting's name is also being discussed among potential leadership candidates.
Streeting did not make an official candidacy announcement in his letter.
HISTORIC LOSS IN ELECTIONS
The Labour Party lost 1,406 of the 2,403 seats it held in the local elections on May 7. While 9 of the 19 municipalities in London changed hands, the far-right Reform UK Party won 1,444 seats, emerging as the first in the elections.
The Labour Party also suffered major losses in regional parliament elections in Wales and Scotland, falling to third place in both regions.
CALLS FOR STARMER'S RESIGNATION INCREASE
Following the election results, approximately 100 Labour Party MPs, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation.
Leadership debates within the party are expected to escalate further in the coming days.