UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting Resigns Over ‘Loss Of Confidence’ In PM Starmer

Wes Streeting has resigned as the United Kingdom’s health secretary, saying he has “lost confidence” in Prime Minister Keir Starmer and can no longer remain in government.

In a resignation letter shared on X, Streeting said it would be “dishonourable and unprincipled” to continue serving under Starmer’s leadership, citing deep concerns over the direction of the Labour Party.

His exit came amid growing speculation that he could launch a bid for the Labour leadership.

Streeting described last week’s election results as “unprecedented,” both in terms of the scale of defeat and the broader consequences, warning that progressives across the UK are increasingly losing faith in Labour’s ability to inspire hope about the country’s future.

He also pointed to specific factors behind the government’s “unpopularity,” including the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance and Starmer’s controversial “island of strangers” speech delivered in May 2025.

In his letter, Streeting urged the prime minister to adopt a more inclusive leadership style.

“You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics,” he wrote.

The former health secretary said it had become clear that Starmer would not lead the Labour Party into the next general election, adding that the debate about the party’s future requires “the best possible field of candidates.”

Despite his criticisms, Streeting described his time in office as deeply fulfilling.

He said serving as health secretary was “the greatest joy of my life,” noting that the National Health Service is “on the road to recovery,” although “there is so much more to do.”

Meanwhile, two of his closest cabinet allies, Peter Kyle and Pat McFadden, have chosen to remain in government and continue to support Starmer.

Their decision, following a cabinet meeting earlier in the week, suggests there may not be a wave of further resignations at cabinet level despite Streeting’s departure.