Sir Keir Starmer will not try to block Andy Burnham from becoming the Labour candidate in Makerfield, it’s been reported, after the Greater Manchester mayor confirmed he would seek permission from Labour’s NEC to stand.
No 10 indicated to Labour MPs that it will not seek to block Mr Burnham, who wants to stand in the seat that Josh Simons is giving up to allow him to return to Parliament and to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Earlier, Wes Streeting dramatically quit as health secretary, and is now widely expected to mount a leadership challenge.
In a scathing resignation letter to Sir Keir, he said he had lost confidence in the prime minister’s leadership and accused the PM of creating a vacuum where the country needed a vision.
But Sir Keir has vowed to fight on, Downing Street has said.
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden, one of Sir Keir's closest allies, said he was determined to stay on in No10 and had a “deep sense of duty to the country”.
Angela Rayner also did not rule out running in a Labour leadership race.
Key Points
- Starmer will not block Burnham standing in by-election
- Burnham confirms he will stand for Parliament as MP Josh Simons makes way
- Reform pledges to 'throw everything' at beating Burnham
- Starmer determined to stay in No 10, says key ally
- Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary ahead of expected challenge to PM
- NHS back on its feet, Starmer says, as he gushes about Streeting
- ‘Where we need vision, we have a vacuum’: Streeting’s scathing resignation letter in full
Scottish Labour not ruling out Burnham standing as MP in Scotland
23:45 , Jane DaltonScottish Labour has not ruled out letting Andy Burnham run to become an MP in Scotland in order to oust Sir Keir Starmer.
Asked whether the Greater Manchester mayor could run in a by-election north of the border, Dame Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour deputy leader and a member of the NEC, said: “You’ll just need to wait until after the NEC meeting on Tuesday.”
'Andy Burnham must not be blocked' from standing in by-election, says York Outer MP
23:01 , Maira ButtLuke Charters, MP for York Outer, has thrown his support behind Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and has said that he must not be blocked from standing for election in Makerfield after Josh Simons stepped down.
“Josh is an MP and a dad to young kids, just like me,” Mr Charters wrote in a post on X on Thursday.
“He's helped to prove that parenthood and politics can mix, and break down barriers for working dads. I wish him the very best.
“We are in a battle for the heart and soul of this country against right-wing populism. So this by-election is one we absolutely must go on to win.
“As a proud Northerner, I want somebody to run who can stand up and fight for our progressive values against Reform in Makerfield.
“Andy Burnham must therefore be given the opportunity to stand, and must not be blocked, so that we can come together to send Reform packing.”
Can Sir Keir hold on to power?
23:00 , Jane DaltonThis depends heavily on the movements of the prime minister’s wider Cabinet.
Sir Keir dug in on Tuesday amid mounting calls from Labour MPs for his resignation, telling his senior ministers there is a formal process for challenging a Labour leader that had not been triggered.
This is true, but without the confidence of his Cabinet, it would be all but impossible for him to continue to govern.
When Boris Johnson’s authority collapsed in 2022, he sought to cling on to power by replacing senior ministers after they had quit with loyalist MPs.
But it was a matter of days after the first Cabinet minister stood down that he was forced to announce his resignation as Tory leader outside No 10.
Reform UK has opened applications for Makerfield by-election
22:58 , Maira ButtReform UK party members have been emailed about the selection process to be a candidate for the Makerfield by-election after Josh Simons stepped down, according to the BBC.
The party has opened applications and has set a deadline for submissions to be filed by Sunday.
“We’re determined,” one party figures said. “It’s going to be a tight fight.”
Why path to No 10 is not easy for any would-be challenger to PM
22:15 , Jane Dalton
Why the path to No 10 is not an easy one for any of Starmer’s would-be challengers
What Streeting said in his resignation letter – and what he meant
21:50 , Jane Dalton
What Streeting said in his resignation letter – and what he meant
Streeting congratulates successor
21:21 , Jane DaltonWes Streeting congratulated his replacement James Murray, who was appointed as health secretary after Mr Streeting resigned.
Mr Streeting posted on X: “Congratulations to @jamesmurray_ldn on his promotion to Health & Social Care Secretary.
“He inherits a wonderful team and an important mission. He has my full support.”
The contenders who could replace Starmer
21:17 , Jane Dalton
What to know about contenders who could replace Keir Starmer as Britain's Labour leader
New Treasury ministers announced
20:48 , Jane DaltonLucy Rigby will take over James Murray’s former role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, after he was promoted to health secretary.
Rachel Blake will succeed her as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Downing Street has announced.
James Murray new health secretary
20:43 , Jane DaltonBreaking news: Sir Keir Starmer has appointed former Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray as the new health secretary, replacing Wes Streeting, Downing Street says.
Liverpool mayor 'concerned about direction of Labour'
20:35 , Jane DaltonBurnham ally Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool, says he has been concerned for some time “about the direction of travel” of Labour.
“Andy Burnham should be allowed to stand in the Makerfield by-election,” he posted. “I’ve known Andy a long time. I’ve seen how he leads, how he connects with people, and how deeply he believes politics should not be transactional but focused on improving lives. At a time when we’re losing support in all directions, he is someone who can bring people together. Someone who understands our country, who connects with communities beyond Westminster, and who knows how to turn Labour values into practical change.”
Burnham ally warns of 'existential threat' to Labour
20:31 , Jane DaltonThe mayor of Liverpool, a long-time Andy Burnham ally, has warned Labour faces “an existential threat” and that there is neither leadership nor vision in the party.
Steve Rotheram wrote: “Too often, significant achievements have been overshadowed by chaos, drift, and a lack of clarity about who we are and what we’re here to do.
“People don’t expect perfection from politicians. But they do expect purpose. They expect leadership and vision. And right now, too many feel they’re not seeing either.
“Our party and our country are at a critical moment. We need a serious contest to decide Labour’s future - and that means widening the field, not narrowing it.”
I have been loyal to every Labour leader since I delivered my first leaflet as a 12 year old. But, like many colleagues, I’ve been expressing concerns for some time about the direction of travel of our party in government. Last week’s local election results brought such concerns…
— Steve Rotheram (@MetroMayorSteve) May 14, 2026
Burnham ally warns of 'existential threat' to Labour
20:31 , Jane DaltonThe mayor of Liverpool, a long-time Andy Burnham ally, has warned Labour faces “an existential threat” and that there is neither leadership nor vision in the party.
Steve Rotheram wrote: “Too often, significant achievements have been overshadowed by chaos, drift, and a lack of clarity about who we are and what we’re here to do.
“People don’t expect perfection from politicians. But they do expect purpose. They expect leadership and vision. And right now, too many feel they’re not seeing either.
“Our party and our country are at a critical moment. We need a serious contest to decide Labour’s future - and that means widening the field, not narrowing it.”
I have been loyal to every Labour leader since I delivered my first leaflet as a 12 year old. But, like many colleagues, I’ve been expressing concerns for some time about the direction of travel of our party in government. Last week’s local election results brought such concerns…
— Steve Rotheram (@MetroMayorSteve) May 14, 2026
Starmer biographer warns Labour risks ‘real chance’ of changing leaders again before election if it ousts him now
20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer’s biographer has warned there is a “real chance” Labour will have to change leaders again before the next general election if it ousts him from No 10 now.
Tom Baldwin said he was “astonished” that the party was “behaving like this” after a civil war erupted within Labour following its disastrous local election results last week. The past few days have seen a chorus of calls for the prime minister to resign.
As allies of health secretary Wes Streeting say they expect him to resign on Thursday in order to trigger a leadership challenge, Mr Baldwin called on Labour not to repeat the Conservatives’ “bad habit” of changing prime ministers.
You can read more below:
Starmer biographer warns Labour risks two leadership elections
Watch In The Room: Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting for Labour Leadership
20:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTop contenders in Labour leadership battle
20:00 , Jane Dalton
Fact check: Streeting claims rise in GP tally of 2,000
19:48 , Jane DaltonWes Streeting said in his resignation letter that 2,000 more GPs had been recruited under Labour.
NHS England data show there were 38,965 full-time equivalent (FTE) GPs as of March 31 2026. It was an increase of 2,002 from 36,963 FTE GPs on July 31 2024, the first headcount after Labour entered Government.
Excluding GPs in training grades, the number of FTE fully qualified GPs rose from 27,662 in July 2024 to 28,906 in March 2026 – an increase of 1,244.
Watch: Streeting ally insists 'well more' than 81 Labour MPs behind him
19:38 , Maira ButtLabour 'doesn't do hostile takeovers', deputy leader Lucy Powell expected to say
19:28 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Speaking at the Fire Brigades Union Conference tomorrow morning Labour’s Deputy Leader Lucy Powell MP is expected to say: “The election results last week were deeply painful and difficult for our Party, and the aftermath has been unedifying for us all too.
“We don’t do hostile takeovers in Labour for a reason. Keir is the Leader, and I warned against bloody internal battles reflecting badly.
“If we think we don’t have further to fall, that’s a mistake, we can. We must come back together as one team to take the fight to Farage and show that mainstream progressive politics can bring about the change people are crying out for.
“That also means doing politics differently. Ending briefing wars, ending factionalism, and representing all our traditions with our strongest team on the pitch - being one Labour team.
“Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner should all be key players in our team.
“Andy wants to come back to Parliament - I’ve always supported his desire to do so, and I support that again. As Deputy Leader, I am confident he would have the support of the vast majority of the Party and movement in doing so.”
Andy Burnham must break away from 'terrible orthodoxies' of the past, says Green Party leader Zack Polanski
19:22 , Maira ButtGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has said that Andy Burnham must break away from the “terrible orthodoxies” of the past in order for Labour to succeed.
“Last week’s elections shows the country is crying out for a break from the failed status quo,” Mr Polanski said in response to the Manchester mayor’s plans to stand in a by-election in a bid to return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
“Keir Starmer has been unable and unwilling to break with an economic model that has fuelled the affordability crisis, and this is why we have said he must go.
“Whatever happens in the coming by-election, Andy Burnham will need to make clear which version of him is going to show up.
“Is it the politician who has been part and parcel of the Labour establishment for decades, abstaining on legislation making brutal cuts to welfare, PFI and other Labour privatisations, or is it the one who has publicly supported proportional representation, been a popular mayor in Manchester and expressed support to make changes to the failed economic model?
“The country needs to know if Andy Burnham is serious about breaking out from the terrible orthodoxies from the past, or if he will just be more of the same.”
Burnham at risk of ‘looking entitled’ in by-election race, Jess Phillips warns
19:10 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Jess Phillips has warned Andy Burnham is at risk of “looking entitled” after a Labour MP stood down to allow him to stand in a by-election.
In her first interview since resigning as a minister, Ms Phillips said she has “a huge amount of fondness” for the mayor of Greater Manchester.
But she told Beth Rigby’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast he should be “really careful of looking entitled”.
She said: “There’s a sort of level entitlement of I’ll just have X, Y and Z seat. I don’t know, I’m really rooted in the place where I represent maybe so I always think it doesn’t look great playing a sort of Game of Thrones.”
Burnham makes move to take on Starmer after MP stands down so he can challenge PM
19:05 , Maira ButtLabour has been plunged into fresh chaos after Andy Burnham announced he is seeking a return to the Commons, and Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary in another dramatic day in Westminster.
Makerfield MP John Simons, a former Starmer ally who was recently forced to resign as a minister, sensationally stepped down to allow Mr Burnham to stand in his seat, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir’s leadership.
The move came just hours after Mr Streeting dramatically quit the cabinet, saying he had “lost confidence” in the prime minister and calling for a contest for the Labour leadership without formally triggering one.
The Independent’s political editor reports:
Burnham makes move to take on Starmer after MP stands down so he can challenge PM
Starmer will not block Andy Burnham return to Westminster
19:00 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer will not stop Andy Burnham from becoming the Labour candidate in Makerfield, according to the BBC.
“Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families,” an ally of the prime minister told the broadcaster.
Junior minister calls on NEC to allow Burnham to stand
18:58 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A junior minister has publicly called on Labour’s National Executive Committee to allow Andy Burnham to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
The mayor of Greater Manchester was blocked from running in the Gorton and Denton contest by the NEC earlier this year, sparking accusations that the move was done to prevent him from launching a leadership challenge once back in Westminster.
But a chorus of voices from the Labour Party backing Burnham will make it more difficult for the committee to block him again.
Keir Mather, a junior transport minister and MP for Selby and Ainsty, shared Burnham’s post on X and added: “Andy Burnham should be allowed to stand for selection in Makerfield. Local members know best who should take on Reform, and they should be able to make that choice.”
Streeting ally calls for Burnham to be allowed to stand
18:44 , Jane DaltonAn ally of Wes Streeting has called on the Labour Party to allow Andy Burnham to stand for Parliament in the Makerfield by-election.
Joe Morris, Mr Streeting’s former PPS, who resigned earlier this week amid calls for Sir Keir Starmer to step aside, wrote on social media: “We must have our best talent in any race.
“The Prime Minister must not stand in the way of Andy’s candidacy and as we must fight and win this by-election.
“We must then have a frank and ally, honest discussion about how to ensure the party is able to move forward under new leadership.”
Reform won every ward in Makerfield at local elections
18:40 , Jane DaltonAnalysis of the local election results from this month show that of the 10 wards contested on Wigan Council that fall within the parliamentary constituency of Makerfield, either wholly or partially, Reform UK candidates won every one of them.
The party won just over half of the votes.
Eight Makerfield wards voted last week. Results:
— Patrick Maguire (@patrickkmaguire) May 14, 2026
Reform: 50.4%
Labour: 22.7%
Green: 10.9%
Conservative: 9.9%
Lib Dem: 3.8%
Other: 2.2%
Top Starmer ally warns of 'political risk' of Burnham standing
18:28 , Jane DaltonStarmer ally Pat McFadden has warned of the “political risk” of a by-election and said it was not up to Josh Simons whether Andy Burnham could run in the seat he was vacating.
The Work and Pensions Secretary was live on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme when the Makerfield MP announced he was stepping down to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to run in an effort to return to Westminster.
“I think any unnecessary by-election is always a political risk,” Mr McFadden said. “If Andy puts himself forward as the candidate for that, I don’t know if others will too.
“Any decision on who should be on a shortlist for the by-election would be taken by the NEC (Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee).”
Asked whether Mr Burnham should be given the green light to stand by the NEC, Mr McFadden said: “MPs don’t get to pick their successors. It doesn’t work like that. There’ll be a selection contest, there’ll be an NEC process, all of that will have to be gone through.”
Starmer determined to stay in No 10, says ally
18:26 , Jane DaltonOne of Sir Keir Starmer's closest allies says the prime minister is determined to stay on in No10 and has a "deep sense of duty to the country".
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said Sir Keir "didn't create any of this" after a dramatic week with "lots of turbulence, resignations, statements (and) this latest news about Josh Simon standing down".
"In my conversations with him during the week, he's been determined to stay on, do his duty, do his job," Mr McFadden said.
Rayner denies pact with Burnham
18:15 , Jane DaltonSir Keir’s former deputy Angela Rayner has denied having struck a pact with Mr Burnham under which he would be lined up as her successor.
She indicated she could run in any future contest, telling ITV on Thursday: “I am not doing deals.”
Speculation has intensified that she could throw her hat in the ring after she said she was cleared of tax misconduct in an HMRC investigation that had previously overshadowed her prospects.
Why path to No 10 is not easy for any would-be challenger to PM
18:10 , Jane DaltonWhy the path to No 10 is not an easy one for any of Starmer’s would-be challengers
Top Starmer ally warns of 'political risk' of Burnham standing
18:07 , Jane DaltonStarmer ally Pat McFadden has warned of the “political risk” of a by-election and said it was not up to Josh Simons whether Andy Burnham could run in the seat he was vacating.
The Work and Pensions Secretary was live on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme when the Makerfield MP announced he was stepping down to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to run in an effort to return to Westminster.
“I think any unnecessary by-election is always a political risk,” Mr McFadden said. “If Andy puts himself forward as the candidate for that, I don’t know if others will too.
“Any decision on who should be on a shortlist for the by-election would be taken by the NEC (Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee).”
Asked whether Mr Burnham should be given the green light to stand by the NEC, Mr McFadden said: “MPs don’t get to pick their successors. It doesn’t work like that. There’ll be a selection contest, there’ll be an NEC process, all of that will have to be gone through.”
Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ with No 10 in his sights
18:05 , Jane Dalton
Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ with No 10 in his sights
How would a Labour leadership contest work?
18:01 , Jane DaltonA Labour leadership contest would work like this: After a leadership hopeful nails down 81 backers in the Commons, candidates are then put for a vote to party members, who rank them in order of preference.
A contender is declared the winner if they get more than 50 per cent of first preferences, and this usually happens though a process of elimination during rounds of voting, the timetable for which is set by Labour’s ruling NEC.
‘We will change Labour for the better’: Burnham’s full statement as he plots return to Parliament
17:57 , Jane Dalton
Andy Burnham’s full statement as he plots return to Parliament
Labour owes it to people to regroup after local elections, says Burnham
17:52 , Jane DaltonAndy Burnham said the Labour Party “owes it to people to come back together” following last week’s local elections losses, adding a by-election would give “the prime minister and the government the space and stability they need”.
He wrote: “I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times. We will change Labour for the better and make it a party you can believe in again.”
Reform pledges to 'throw everything' at beating Burnham
17:49 , Jane DaltonReform UK has promised to “throw absolutely everything” at a by-election in Makerfield, where Labour MP Josh Simons has announced he will stand down to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a path back to Parliament.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, said: “We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it.”
The contest is expected to be close, as Reform UK made gains across Greater Manchester in last week’s council elections.
Burnham: I want to make life affordable again
17:46 , Jane DaltonAndy Burnham says he wants to stand again as an MP to “make life more affordable again”.
He posted: “There is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester. Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again.
“This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.
“Millions are struggling and they need the Labour Government to succeed. It has already made changes to make life better for them in its first two years.”
I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) May 14, 2026
I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.
Ten years ago, I…
Will a Labour leadership contest be triggered?
17:45 , Jane DaltonWhether a Labour leadership contest is held would depend on Mr Streeting - or another leadership hopeful within the parliamentary party - securing the backing of the 81 Labour MPs required to mount a challenge.
It is unclear whether he has reached this threshold, and his resignation letter appeared to imply he would not be triggering an immediate contest.
Burnham confirms he will stand as MP in Simons's seat
17:42 , Jane DaltonBreaking news:
Andy Burnham has confirmed that I will be seeking to stand in the Makerfield by-election after Josh Simons stood down to make way.
Reform will pose challenge to Burnham in traditionally safe Labour seat
17:40 , Jane DaltonBy Dan Haygarth:
Andy Burnham will hope to return to Parliament through a by-election in Makerfield, traditionally one of Labour’s safest seats, though Reform will more than fancy its chances.
Split between the towns of Wigan and Ashton-in-Makerfield in Greater Manchester, where Mr Burnham is mayor, it has been held by Labour since its 1983 creation and its predecessor - the constituency of Ince - had been red since 1906.
The seat takes its name from the in-Makerfield suffix of the towns of Ashton and Ince, found on the old Lancashire coalfields.
The constituency is also not far from Leigh, Mr Burnham’s parliamentary seat from 2001 to 2017.
Josh Simmons, who is stepping down as MP, was elected with a 5,399 majority over Reform at the 2024 general election, but Labour’s majority was as high as 26,000 after the 2005 general election.
At a by-election, Reform will pose a very serious threat to Labour, having made gains across Greater Manchester in last week’s council elections - but Mr Burnham will hope his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester and popularity will allow him to win.
He won 66 per cent of the vote in the borough of Wigan at the 2024 mayoral election and the boost his name on a ballot can give to Labour should not be underestimated.
What does this mean for Andy Burnham?
17:36 , Jane DaltonBy political reporter Athena Stavrou:
A Labour MP has confirmed he will be stepping down to allow Andy Burnham a chance to run in a by-election and return to Parliament.
The move gives the mayor of Manchester a chance to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader, as the prime minister’s premiership remains under immense pressure.
Despite being widely seen as the most popular candidate to oust Sir Keir and take over as prime minister, Mr Burnham is currently unable to officially throw his hat in the ring because party rules mean leadership candidates must be sitting MPs, which he currently is not.
But Josh Simons’ announcement he will now step down means Mr Burnham will be able to put himself forward to run in a by-election in Makerfield.
However, he will need the approval of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which blocked him from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier this year.
If he is able to run and wins the election - which could be difficult in the face of threats from both Reform and the Greens - he could then take his seat and seek the backing of the 81 Labour MPs needed to launch a challenge.
Labour backbencher says Burnham has a 'fighting chance' despite recent Reform success
17:36 , Holly EvansA Labour backbencher said Andy Burnham would have “a fighting chance” in Makerfield, despite Reform UK’s success in the area at this year’s local elections.
The MP, a supporter of Mr Burnham, said: “Game on.
“I think if we can get everything else to align, we have a fighting chance.”
Burnham faces stiff test to win Makerfield by-election
17:31 , Jane DaltonPolitical editor David Maddox writes:
Even if the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party allows Andy Burnham to run in the Makerfield by-election, the seat poses a major challenge for Labour to win.
According to the Electoral Calculus website, Reform has an 82 per cent chance of winning the seat while Labour only has a 17 per cent chance.
In the 2024 election, Josh Simons got a 5,399 majority with Reform in second place.
Former Starmer-ally stepping down as MP to pave way for Burnham challenge
17:30 , Holly EvansA former Starmer-ally and minister has announced he is standing down as an MP to pave the way for Andy Burnham to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons said on Thursday afternoon that he is resigning so that the mayor of Manchester “can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for”.
Adding it was “not an easy decision”, he wrote on X: “I am in politics because politics is how you change lives for the better. My party has one last chance to do that: deliver for the people and places I represent, drive economic growth, secure our borders, reform our state and politics, and change a status quo that is not working.
“That is the fight. I believe Andy is the one to lead it.”
For decades, Westminster has overseen the managed decline of towns like mine. We have talked big, then acted small, stuck in a politics of incrementalism that cannot meet the moment. We have lost the trust of those our party was built to serve.
— Josh Simons MP (@joshsimonsmp) May 14, 2026
It is my unwavering belief that…
What Streeting said in his resignation letter – and what he meant
17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting quit as health secretary on Thursday after an extremely turbulent week for the Labour Party. Here, The Independent looks at what he said in his resignation letter as he launched a blistering attack on the prime minister.
What Streeting said in his resignation letter – and what he meant
Northwest MP offers to make way for Burnham
17:17 , Jane DaltonBreaking news:
Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield in the northwest, says he will step down to make way for the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to return to Parliament.
NHS back on its feet, Starmer says as he praises Streeting
17:10 , Jane DaltonIn a letter released by Downing Street, the PM told Wes Streeting: “When we came into Government the NHS was on its knees. Almost two years on, the statistics published today are a result of your work and determination and that of the whole of the NHS.
“Thanks to the choices we made to stabilise our economy, invest in our public services and reform the NHS, hospital waiting lists have been cut. Patients are now waiting less time for hospital appointments, ambulances are arriving sooner, the NHS is more productive, and people’s experience of healthcare is improving. The NHS is back on its feet.
“Alongside these performance improvements, you and your team have set out an ambitious policy agenda.
“The 10 Year Health Plan will modernise the NHS and wider health system. The Casey Commission and Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care puts us on a path to a National Care Service we can be proud of.
“Alongside this, the National Cancer Plan, HIV Action Plan, National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, and Life Sciences Sector Plan are all ambitious pieces of work.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Act will save lives, and the Mental Health Act will improve lives. This is the difference a Labour government makes. This is the change we are delivering.
“Last week’s local election results were extremely tough. I know many colleagues saw good friends lose seats. Everyone in our party is acutely aware that our opponents are more dangerous than ever before. They are a real threat to the values we care about, to the communities we represent and to the country we love.”
Starmer thanks Streeting for helping Labour back into power
17:06 , Jane DaltonIn a letter accepting Mr Streeting’s resignation, the Prime Minister thanked him and praised his NHS improvements achievements.
He wrote: “I am very sorry that you have stepped down from Government.
“We have worked together for many years and I want to thank you for all your hard work in helping to get us back into Government and for all that you have achieved as Health Secretary.”
Starmer 'sure Streeting will play key role in Labour in future'
17:03 , Jane DaltonIn his letter responding to Wes Streeting’s resignation, Sir Keir Starmer wrote: “It is incumbent on all of us to rise to what I see as a battle for the soul of our nation.
“As part of that, we must deliver on all of the promises we made to the country, including our promise to turn the page on the chaos that was roundly rejected by the British people at the last general election.
“I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat [sic] at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service.
“But I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in our party for many years to come.
“I hope we can work together to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit, can install hope where they want despair, and can bring people together where they want division.”
Starmer: I'm sorry Streeting quit
17:00 , Jane DaltonSir Keir Starmer has said he was very sorry Wes Streeting had resigned, and said he hoped they could work together “to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit”.
Chief whip avoids questions in Downing Street
16:44 , Jane DaltonChief whip Jonathan Reynolds has arrived in Downing Street, opting to walk around the back of No 10 rather than face questions from reporters outside the front door.
How would a Labour leadership contest work?
16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThere is no formal confidence vote procedure to oust a Labour leader.
Any challenger to Sir Keir would instead require the support of 81 MPs – 20 per cent of the party in the Commons – to trigger a contest.
Written nominations would need to be submitted to Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley.
In the case of a successful challenge, Sir Keir would be on the ballot by default as the incumbent and would not need to gather nominations.
If Sir Keir were to resign, it would automatically start a contest for a new leader.
It is up to the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to set the timeline for a leadership election.
Comment: What would Wes Streeting actually do differently as prime minister?
16:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFor all the health secretary’s achievements with the NHS, his centrist instincts and peerless communication skills, the odds are stacked against him replacing Keir Starmer in No 10 , says John Rentoul.
What would Wes Streeting actually do differently as prime minister?
MP insists Streeting has numbers to challenge Starmer
15:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Labour MP backing Wes Streeting in any potential leadership challenge has insisted he has the numbers to trigger a contest.
Speaking to the BBC, Alan Gemmell said the former health secretary has “taken a principled decision today not to trigger a contest”.
“It's clear in conversations with MPs and with the unions that the party wants a discussion, a battle of ideas, an open contest, a broad contest for the direction that we should take and how we fix the problems that we're in,” the MP for Central Ayrshire said.
“I hope that we will see over the next few days a range of people setting out their stall for why we need a more ambitious agenda for our government," he says.
"I'm sure that we will see Wes making the argument for why he would be a great leader of our country."
Watch: Labour has descended into civil war, says Kemi Badenoch
15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCould Andy Burnham become prime minister? Five steps to replace Starmer
15:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneManchester Mayor Andy Burnham is being touted as a leading contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister.
Mr Burnham has previously indicated he would be willing to overthrow the current Labour leader. At last year’s Labour Party conference, he called for a “debate on our direction”, and in November, he refused to rule out a leadership bid, telling BBC Breakfast: “I don’t know what the future will hold.”
However, as the current mayor of Manchester without a seat in Parliament, Mr Burnham faces a potentially arduous route to the top.
These are the steps he would have to take before becoming the UK’s next prime minister.
Could Burnham become prime minister? Five steps to replace Starmer
First Cabinet minister responds to Streeting resignation
15:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting’s resignation marks a chance for Labour to “draw a line” under leadership debate, Bridget Phillipson has said.
As the first Cabinet minister to respond to his departure, the Education Secretary told reporters: “The Prime Minister has my full support and I’m really sorry to see Wes go.
“He has been a brilliant health secretary. He’s done a fantastic job and we saw that today, with the NHS waiting list numbers that are really encouraging and what people want to see.
“But I fundamentally disagree with the position he’s taken. I’m sad that he’s gone, but I think this is now a chance for us to pause, take a breath as a party and try and draw a line under all of this.”
She added: “What I can say very clearly is that the Prime Minister has my full support, continues to have my full support, and he has the Cabinet behind him in the important job that he’s doing, leading our country at a very unstable time.”
Asked whether she was “absolutely certain” her Cabinet colleagues backed Sir Keir Starmer, Ms Phillipson said: “The Cabinet are behind the Prime Minister. I am behind the Prime Minister.”
'I don't know who will lead us into the next election', says Labour minister
14:56 , Harriette BoucherJacqui Smith does not know who will lead the Labour Party into the next election, but believes it is the wrong time to have a leadership contest.
The minister told Sky News: “Last week’s election results were dire and that understandably has caused MPs to think really hard about what we need to do and what leadership we need to ensure in three years time, when we face the next general election, we can ensure that this isn’t only a one-term government.
She added: “I don't know, frankly, who will be leading us at that particular point.
“What I do know is...I don't believe this is the right moment either to have a leadership contest or to turn inwards or against each other.”
Badenoch: 'Labour has descended into civil war'
14:38 , Harriette BoucherKemi Badenoch has hit out at Wes Streeting’s “hit job”, saying Labour has now descended into civil war.
“I told Wes Streeting to do his job. Instead, he’s done a hit job on the prime minister,” the Tory leader wrote on X.
“The Labour Party has now descended into civil war.
“While they’re sharpening their knives and plotting in the bars of Westminster, nobody is running the country.
“The problem is not just Keir Starmer, it’s Labour. It doesn’t matter which Labour MP is in charge, they’re all queuing up to make things worse.
“Labour can’t even agree on who leads their party. They have a vacancy, we have a plan to get Britain working again.”
Streeting has heralded the end of the Starmer premiership – but he’s unlikely to win the crown
14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe health secretary has initiated a leadership contest which he will struggle to win, says political editor David Maddox.
Streeting has heralded end of Starmer premiership but he’s unlikely to win the crown
The new health secretary faces major challenges
14:25 , Rebecca ThomasWes Streeting approached his tenure as health secretary as a “reformer” often taking a carrot and stick approach to the NHS.As he resigns from his post the next health secretary faces a number of challenges including:
- To return the NHS back to meeting its target to have for 92 per cent of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks of a GP referral. As of March 2026 the NHS saw 65.3 per cent of patients.
- Getting the NHS back to seeing 95 per cent of A&E patients within four hours - 76.9 per cent of patients in England were seen within four hours in A&Es in April
- Implementing the new Health Bill and abolishment of NHS England. This major restructure of the NHS is still in process and a major reform which the next in line will have to manage
- Resident doctors strikes could continue unless the new boss can come to a compromise that Wes Streeting could not.
Sarah Woolnagh, chief executive for the King’s Fund commented: “Each political leader is different from the last, with their own focus and priorities which shape where the Department expends its energy.
“Whomever steps into the role will face some immediate choices. Do they continue with the Health Bill in its current form – which will dominate their day-to-day job as Health and Social Care Secretary? Who do they appoint as the next NHS chief executive and what qualities are they looking for? Do they keep the same timetable for the Casey Commission (Social care commission) or ask it to speed up?
“These are decisions that will shape the health and care system for years to come and ones the incoming Secretary of State will have to grip quickly if they are to make a success of it.”
Unfair to suggest Starmer has left UK not knowing what Labour stands for, says minister
14:16 , Harriette BoucherWes Streeting’s suggestion that the Labour leadership has left the country not knowing what it stands for is unfair, a minister has said.
Baroness Jacqui Smith told BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme: “Yes, I think it is.
“There is more that we need to do, to both communicate what we’ve already done, to speed up what we need to do to change this country, and to tell a story about the country that we’re going to be.
“But just on this point about two years, you know, I’ve been around for a while. I went through, for example, the change of leadership from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown.
“Let’s remind ourselves that that was after Tony Blair had served 10 years and the Labour government had been in place for 10 years.
“I don’t think I can remember a Labour government who, after two years, had delivered everything that we would have wanted them to do.”
Watch: Ex-Labour advisor says Streeting resignation could be attempt to 'burst dam' on forcing Starmer out
14:13 , Harriette BoucherHow would a Streeting-Starmer leadership contest work?
14:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting has resigned as health secretary and looks set to force a Labour leadership contest, saying it is “clear” that Sir Keir Starmer would not lead the party into the next general election.
His resignation letter, addressed to the prime minister and issued on Thursday lunchtime, read: “It is now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election and that Labour MPs and Labour unions want the debate about what comes next to be a battle of ideas, not of personalities or petty factionalism.
“It needs to be broad, and it needs to be the best possible field of candidates. I support that approach and I hope you will facilitate it.”
You can find out how a Streeting-Starmer leadership contest would work below:
From primary school prison visits to the cusp of No 10: The unorthodox rise of Wes Streeting
14:07 , Dan HaygarthHis grandfather was an armed robber. His grandmother shared a cell with Christine Keeler. Raised in a council flat in the East End, Wes Streeting now finds himself as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Starmer in Number 10. Harry Cockburn and Andy Gregory take a look at the health secretary’s humble beginnings.
From primary school prison visits to the cusp of No 10: The rise of Wes Streeting
Analysis: Why is Wes Streeting delaying his leadership challenge?
14:03 , Millie CookeMany people saw Wes Streeting's resignation letter as the starting gun for a leadership challenge. But his allies have now told The Independent that he won't be triggering a contest today, instead pointing to his letter which called for a "broad" contest which includes "the best possible field of candidates".
It is becoming increasingly clear that Streeting is trying to dodge accusations of being self serving or overly ambitious, accusation that would most certainly be levelled at him if he triggered a quick contest now before Burnham has a chance to return to Westminster.
He is also hoping the prime minister will choose to voluntarily resign, rather than forcing the former health secretary to wield the knife and face accusations of treachery.
Streeting has 'screwed himself good and proper', MP says
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting has “screwed himself good and proper”, a Labour MP has said.
The backbench MP told the Press Association Mr Streeting’s resignation letter “reads like he has no numbers” to make a leadership challenge himself, adding: “He’s screwed himself good and proper.”
Analysis: The NHS saw some improvements under Wes Streeting - but progress was slow
13:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s health editor Rebecca Thomas reports:
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has stepped down.
His tenure has overseen “positive” but “slow” progress on improvements to the NHS, experts have said.
When he came into office, Mr Streeting made a clear promise to reduce elective waiting lists, improve GP access, and shift the NHS towards prevention.
As the NHS faces the prospect of a 10th health secretary since 2010, Mr Streeting’s record is better than his Tory predecessors but still lukewarm.
On Thursday new data shows NHS waiting lists supposedly dropped by 500,000. However, as the HSJ reports, this decrease comes amid a jump in patients being removed from the waiting list.
There are currently 7.1 million people on the overall NHS waiting list, and reducing this will still be a huge task for the next health secretary.
Mr Streeting, as with the previous health secretaries, has also been unable to properly quash the uprisings by resident doctors who have continued to strike.
Responding to his departure Thea Stein, chief executive for think tank the Nuffield Trust, said a key element missing from Mr Streeting’s time in post had been an admission of the “trade offs” the NHS would have to do with the scarce resources available.
She pointed out that while public opinion of the NHS has improved, the progress has been slow.
She also highlighted the lack of action on social care, which she said was “disappointingly slow under Mr Streeting's leadership, despite a specific promise on this in Labour's manifesto”.
Labour MP says Streeting's letter is 'right call'
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLabour backbencher Jonathan Brash reiterated his call for Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure following Wes Streeting’s resignation from Cabinet.
The Hartlepool MP posted on X: “The call for a broad contest with the best possible field of candidates is absolutely right from Wes Streeting.
“The Prime Minister should now do the right thing for the country and set a timetable.”
The call for a broad contest with the best possible field of candidates is absolutely right from @wesstreeting. The Prime Minister should now do the right thing for the country and set a timetable. https://t.co/Ze27jR97ZI
— Jonathan Brash MP (@JonathanBrash) May 14, 2026
Analysis: It is currently unclear whether Streeting has enough backing from MPs
13:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Wes Streeting's resignation letter notably did not include an official challenge to the prime minister, nor did it confirm whether he would be triggering a leadership race. It comes after mounting speculation that the former health secretary did not have the required support - the backing of 81 MPs - to trigger a contest.
His allies have been insisting that he does have enough support, but the delay in announcing his resignation suggested he may have been scrambling behind the scenes to get his support over the line. All eyes will now be on the former health secretary to see whether he has the required support to trigger a contest.
Polanski says Streeting would bring 'more of the same'
13:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreen leader Zack Polanski said Wes Streeting would be “more of the same, but even worse, a factional and divisive politician” and pointed to the former health secretary’s past association with Lord Peter Mandelson.
“If Labour thinks Wes Streeting is the answer, they obviously don’t know the question the country is asking,” he said.
“Last week’s elections show the country is crying out for a break from the failed status quo. Keir Starmer has been unable and unwilling to break with an economic model that has fuelled the affordability crisis, and this is why we have said he must go.
“Wes Streeting would be more of the same, but even worse, a factional and divisive politician, a close ally of Peter Mandelson, who favours an economy even more tilted to the wealthy, and whose record as health secretary is more privatisation and more personal donations from private healthcare.
“The Labour Government is failing and is not strong enough to stand up to the greatest threat facing this country, that of a Nigel Farage government.
“Labour needs to stop trying to mimic them and join the Greens in taking the divisive politics of Reform head on.”
‘Where we need vision, we have a vacuum’: Wes Streeting’s scathing resignation letter in full
13:28 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting has resigned as health secretary after stating he has “lost confidence” in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
It is widely expected that Mr Streeting will now mount a leadership challenge against the prime minister.
In his resignation letter, the former health secretary accused Sir Keir of creating a “vacuum” where the country needed a “vision” and urged him to “listen to your colleagues”. Downing Street has said Sir Keir has vowed to “fight on” despite suggestions of an imminent challenge to his leadership.
You can read the full letter below:
‘Where we need vision, we have a vacuum’: Streeting’s resignation letter in full
Streeting blames Starmer for local election losses
13:22 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting also used his resignation letter to lay the blame for Labour’s dismal local election performance at the prime minister’s feet.
“There is no doubt that the unpopularity of this government was a major and common factor in our defeats across England, Scotland and Wales,” he wrote.
“Good Labour people lost through no fault of their own. There are many reasons we could point to: from individual mistakes on policy like the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance to the ‘island of strangers’ speech, all of which have left the country not knowing who we are or what we really stand for.
“Last week’s election results were unprecedented – both in terms of the scale of the defeat and the consequences of that failure. For the first time in our country’s history, nationalists are in power in every corner of the United Kingdom – including a dangerous English nationalism represented by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. This represents both an existential threat to the future integrity of the United Kingdom, but Reform UK also represent a threat to the values and ideals that have made this country great.”
Streeting says govt has 'drift' where it needs 'direction'
13:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn his resignation letter Wes Streeting has said the government has “drift” where it needs “direction”.
“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum,” he wrote. “Where we need direction, we have drift. This was underscored by your speech on Monday.
“Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords. You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.”
Streeting fires starting gun for possible leadership race with resignation letter
13:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
After much toing and froing - and rumours that he had bottled it - Wes Streeting has finally fired the starting gun of a leadership race, announcing his resignation as health secretary.
His decision to quit suggests that he has got enough support (the required backing of 81 MPs) to trigger a leadership race. But the letter itself doesn't officially trigger a contest, nor does it explicitly say whether he has enough backing.
In the wake of his excoriating letter, all eyes will now be on Streeting to see whether he announces an official challenge to the prime minister.
But even then, all is not lost for Starmer - as just hours before Streeting's resignation fresh polling of Labour members was published which suggested that the beleaguered PM would win a landslide victory against his former health secretary. It was only against Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband that the prime minister would lose, the polling showed.
Wes Streeting resigns as health secretary
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting has resigned as health secretary.
It comes amid mounting speculation Mr Streeting is set to launch a leadership challenge against the prime minister.
Sir Keir Starmer stated on Wednesday that he retained “full confidence” in Mr Streeting.
But the prime minister must now face the growing threat of a leadership challenge from a man who has been a key member of his Cabinet.
Burnham supporters briefed to emphasise need for 'a dignified transition' for PM
12:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
With the steam appearing to go out of a potential leadership bid by health secretary Wes Streeting this morning, supporters of the Greater Manchester mayor are laying the groundwork for his return.
Supporters have been briefed to emphasise the need for “a dignified transition” for Keir Starmer and for a replacement to be announced at the party conference in late September.
This would give Mr Burnham more than enough time to find a seat to stand and get back in parliament to contest the leadership contest.
It is understood that a seat has been agreed in principle where Labour are projected to see off both the Greens and Reform.
The briefing also reflects a growing feeling that Sir Keir should not be humiliated by this process and just ousted quickly.
A slow “orderly transition” allows him time to build his own legacy.
PM has full confidence in Streeting as health secretary, No 10 says
12:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDowning Street said the prime minister retains confidence in Wes Streeting as Health Secretary and the “position hasn’t changed” since Wednesday.
Asked whether Mr Streeting remained in his Cabinet post, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “Yes.”
Asked whether the prime minister had full confidence in him, the official said: “Yes, the position hasn’t changed.”
Wes Streeting would lose leadership contest against Keir Starmer, poll shows
12:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer would win a landslide victory in a leadership race against Wes Streeting, new polling of Labour members has shown - in a blow to the health secretary's ambitions.
Polling, conducted by Survation for LabourList, indicated that Mr Streeting would take just 23 per cent of the vote, compared to 53 per cent for Starmer.
Despite the pair having around equal support in November last year, Sir Keir now holds a 34-point lead over the health secretary.
According to the polling, the prime minister would also win a head-to-head contest against Al Carns, Darren Jones, Bridget Phillipson, Louise Haigh, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood and Lucy Powell.
But he would lose against Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband.
More Mandelson files ‘set to be released next week’ in yet another blow to Starmer
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer could be facing renewed pressure as a result of the Peter Mandelson scandal, as the next tranche of files is said to be expected as early as next week.
The prime minister – who is clinging on to his premiership amid growing calls to resign – has been constantly embattled by the fallout of his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.
The former Labour peer was sacked last September when new information about his links to Jeffrey Epstein emerged, but the scandal has threatened to bring down the government several times since then.
You can read more below:
More Mandelson files ‘set to be released next week’ in yet another blow to Starmer
Rayner tax issues explained after HMRC clears leadership contender of wrongdoing
11:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAngela Rayner says she has been cleared of wrongdoing by HMRC over her tax affairs amid speculation that she may be mounting a leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer.
She has reportedly settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove after incorrectly paying a lower rate, but has not been made to pay a penalty by the tax authority. HMRC is understood to have concluded there was no tax avoidance.
The former deputy prime minister and housing secretary resigned from her positions in September following intense scrutiny over the issue.
You can read more about the tax problem that landed her in hot water and why HMRC has closed its investigation below:
Rayner tax issues explained after HMRC clears her of wrongdoing
Streeting struggling to get numbers amid shifting situation, reports say
11:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWes Streeting may be struggling to shore up support to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership amid a shifting situation, reports have suggested.
The health secretary was expected to launch a leadership bid this morning. But news Angela Rayner has been cleared of any wrongdoing over her tax affairs may have significantly changed the situation, it has been claimed.
