Streeting claims to have secured the support of 81 Labour lawmakers necessary to instigate a leadership contest. Speaking to BBC Newsnight on Tuesday night, he emphasized the need for prompt action, suggesting the contest should start sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Starmer, attending the G7 summit in Evian, reaffirmed on Wednesday his commitment to remain in his role, stating his intention to contest any formal leadership challenge.
“If there is a challenge, I intend to fight in any challenge to my leadership,” Starmer declared.
“I don’t think there should be a challenge, because I think that is a bad thing for the country.”
The Labour Party is observing whether Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, can secure a win in the Makerfield local election on Thursday, which could see him return to parliament and become a leading candidate in any potential challenge to Starmer.
Streeting, who resigned last month in protest against the prime minister’s record, hopes Starmer will use the upcoming weekend for reflection.
“I would prefer the PM to take a decision on his own terms rather than leave it for me or Andy or anyone else to trigger a contest … We can’t carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis,” he stated.
Adding to the pressure on Starmer, John Healey, a well-regarded defence minister, resigned last week, criticizing Starmer’s track record in allocating funds for increased defence spending.
