Overview
- Wes Streeting told LBC his critique was not aimed at Keir Starmer and he categorically rejected reports of a joint leadership bid with Angela Rayner.
- He warned that a purely technocratic approach risks casting Labour as the nation’s “maintenance department” and said the government is not clearly conveying its purpose.
- To try to avert resident doctors’ industrial action next week, Streeting has offered the BMA faster career progression with thousands of extra specialist posts, though the union’s response has been cautious.
- Deputy leader Lucy Powell urged colleagues to rally behind Starmer to stop Reform UK making gains in 2026, arguing that public infighting makes it harder to communicate the government’s achievements.
- Briefing wars and leadership speculation continue to surface in the media, but Streeting denies any plot to replace Starmer and the prime minister has said No 10 was not the source of hostile briefings.