Streeting rules himself out as Burnham coronation chances increase
Wes Streeting has ruled himself of a potential Labour leadership contest, potentially paving the way for a coronation and eliminating the need for an election altogether.
The former Health Secretary resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s Government and had for weeks been very clear in his desire to lead the party.
But minutes after the new Makerfield MP Andy Burnham confirmed he would “put myself forward” as part of ‘this process of transition’, Mr Streeting backed Mr Burnham for the leadership, saying “he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism”.
Although Mr Streeting had been viewed as the main rival to Mr Burnham for the job, other candidates have previously said they would put themselves forward, including junior defence minister Al Carns.
But Mr Streeting said he had “spoken at length with Andy in recent days”.
Mr Streeting said he was convinced that Mr Burnham “is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions and that he can win the fight of our lives against the force of nationalism”.
Calling for a coronation for Mr Burnham, he said: “We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs.
“That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy too.”
In what appeared to be a coordinated move, Mr Streeting’s statement came out within minutes of a message from Mr Burnham, in which he thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his leadership and said the country now expects “stability” and “seriousness”.
Posting on X, he said: “Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
“As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
But rumours Mr Streeting had been offered a top Government job in order to step aside were dismissed by Mr Burnham’s team.
A spokesman said: “There has to be a change in culture away from negative briefings in Westminster. There has been no discussion of cabinet jobs with individuals.”