Why Wes Streeting is accused of putting ambition above national interest
This Is Why
Sky News
4.0 • 552 Ratings
🗓️ 14 May 2026
⏱️ 25 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
On Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM’s premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.
But what he didn’t say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.
So, why hasn’t Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his critics say he’s been desperate to fight? What sort of leader might he eventually be, and what’s his track record in government?
Niall is joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell.
Watch Wes Streeting’s appearance on Electoral Dysfunction with Beth Rigby here.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Wes Streeting has resigned from government, but he hasn't challenged the Prime Minister for the leadership. |
| 0:07.5 | This is why. |
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