Streeting’s historic comparison leads to speculation over Starmer’s future as PM
Streeting’s comment fuels speculation over Starmer’s future
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting has compared Labour's recent defeat in the Caerphilly by-election to the Hartlepool by-election, which almost led to Keir Starmer's resignation as leader.
- Streeting's comments have intensified speculation about Starmer's leadership, with discussions about ousting him reportedly heating up among MPs and ministers.
- Labour is currently polling below 20 per cent in several polls, while the Green Party has seen a surge to 12 per cent, according to a Techne UK poll for The Independent.
- The Caerphilly seat, which Labour had held for 107 years in both Westminster and the Senedd, saw the party finish a poor third with only 11 per cent of the vote.
- Sources confirmed that Starmer would have resigned if Labour had lost the Batley and Spen by-election in 2021, with Streeting reportedly preparing a leadership bid at the time.