Wes Streeting’s constituents split on leadership ambitions, from ‘backhanded’ and ‘disastrous’ to ‘least bad option’

Wes Streeting’s constituents in Ilford North remain divided on the possibility of their MP mounting a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.

Speaking to GB News, local opinion on the Health Secretary ranged from “backhanded” to “the least bad option”.

Mr Streeting has represented the north London constituency since 2015.

However, he came perilously close to not retaining the seat despite Labour’s 2024 election landslide.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The soon-to-be Health Secretary held onto the seat by just 528 votes, narrowly beating British-Palestinian activist Leanne Mohamad.

Following devastating local election losses for Labour last week, Mr Streeting is now a frontrunner to mount a challenge against the embattled Prime Minister.

Ahead of the King’s Speech on Wednesday, he met with Sir Keir in Downing Street for a 16-minute tête-à-tête.

After the showdown, allies of the Health Secretary suggested his resignation to start a leadership contest was imminent.

Sharing her opinion on the speculation surrounding Mr Streeting, one woman told The People’s Channel: “I do think he would make a good Prime Minister.

However, she added that “he's been a little bit backhanded because he said he wasn't interested in the job previously”.

“To be honest with you, I think he's the least bad option,” another constituent said.

Others were less even-handed in the verdict on the Health Secretary’s apparent ambitions.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Wes Streeting hits major NHS target in 'huge moment' with minister poised to launch leadership bid
• 'What leadership race?' Labour minister rubbishes challenges to Keir Starmer
• Mel Stride slams Rachel Reeves’s ‘absolutely abysmal’ record despite GDP win for Chancellor

“I don't think he's got the experience,” one said.

She questioned: “What makes him think that he's better than Keir Starmer?”

“I don't think he'd do it properly,” another constituent reckoned.

He added: “I don't think he'd listen to the people of this country.”

“I think if Keir Starmer was disastrous, it's difficult to go beyond disastrous as far as bad is concerned,” a third said.

“But I think when you look that up in the dictionary, it's got Wes Streeting by the name,” he declared.

Another constituent said she was backing Sir Keir over fears that his ousting might trigger a General Election.

“I would like the current Prime Minister to be on the job, because I don't want a general election now. I don't want any other person, really,” she told GB News.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter