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Health secretary steps down after election losses
Wes Streeting has resigned as the UK's health and social care secretary, telling Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a letter that the government lacks vision and direction following last week's historic electoral defeats.
Achievements in office
In his resignation letter, Streeting highlighted significant progress under his tenure. NHS waiting lists fell by 110,000 in March-the largest monthly drop outside the COVID-19 pandemic since 2008. Ambulance response times for heart attacks and strokes are now the fastest in five years, while A&E four-hour waits have also improved to their best levels in half a decade.
Streeting noted the recruitment of 2,000 additional GPs and 8,500 mental health staff-three years ahead of schedule. Public satisfaction with the NHS rose from 60% to 74.5% since Labour took office. The department also balanced its budget for the first time in nine years while exceeding productivity targets, achieving 2.8% growth against a 2% goal.
"The National Health Service is the embodiment of all that is best about Britain and our values. Thanks to our Labour government, it is on the road to recovery: lots done, but so much more to do."
Wes Streeting, resignation letter
Criticism of leadership
Despite these accomplishments, Streeting stated he could no longer remain in government after losing confidence in Starmer's leadership. He described last week's election results as "unprecedented," with nationalists now in power across the UK, including Reform UK's Nigel Farage, whom he called a threat to British values.
Streeting attributed Labour's losses to the government's unpopularity, citing policy missteps such as the winter fuel allowance cut and Starmer's "island of strangers" speech, which he said left voters uncertain about the party's identity.
"Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift."
Wes Streeting, resignation letter
Call for new leadership
Streeting praised Starmer's statesmanship on the global stage, including keeping Britain out of the war in Iran, but criticized his handling of internal dissent. He argued that the country faces existential challenges-from generational decline to geopolitical conflicts and technological disruption-and requires bolder solutions.
He confirmed that Starmer will not lead Labour into the next election and urged a debate focused on ideas rather than personalities. Streeting expressed support for a broad leadership contest and hoped Starmer would facilitate it.
Reaction and next steps
Streeting's resignation follows Labour's worst electoral performance in decades, with losses in England, Scotland, and Wales. The party now faces pressure to clarify its vision ahead of the next general election.
In closing, Streeting called his tenure as health secretary "the greatest joy of my life" and thanked Starmer for the opportunity, despite their differences.
