Wes Streeting stood outside what is soon to be his former office and confirmed he would not run for Labour leader. The ex-Health Secretary, who just last week was calling for a “battle of ideas” to replace Keir Starmer, instead threw his support behind the runaway favourite, Andy Burnham. The announcement, made shortly after Starmer's resignation, all but confirms a coronation: Burnham will become prime minister in July.
Streeting had “every intention” of standing, his allies insisted as recently as Sunday evening. “He’s got the people, he’s ready to go,” one source said. But a series of calls with Burnham in the wake of the Makerfield by-election changed the calculation. There was feverish speculation of a job offer – possibly even Chancellor, after Streeting’s economic pitch. “I wonder what negotiations are going on for the job that Wes will no doubt want and expect in Andy’s Cabinet,” a senior Labour MP mused. But allies in both camps were categorical: “There is no deal in place,” said one Streeting ally. An aide to Burnham echoed: “Categorically no deal has been done or job offer made.”
“Wes Streeting withdraws from Labour leadership race, backing Andy Burnham and paving way for his coronation as PM in July.”
Instead, the duo’s conversations led to a different understanding. Streeting’s allies said he was reassured that Burnham would operate a “broad church” approach to governing, willing to listen to policy ideas. After the talks, Streeting was convinced of the need to “unite behind a new culture – rather than a summer of fighting” over small differences. His stock had fallen as Burnham’s rose; a contest against the left-leaning membership favourite was increasingly unwinnable.
Burnham’s path to No. 10 was forged in Makerfield, where he won 54% of the vote. The victory was described by UnHerd as having “reanimated the corpse of Labour” after just two years in power. “This was Labour’s final chance to change,” Burnham said in his victory speech. Despite being called a “serial flip-flopper” and “chameleon” by critics, his blend of blokey normie populism – St George’s Crosses, pints, football chatter – had united the Left from the Morning Star to moderate frontbenchers.
Now, the King in the North will be crowned. The only remaining question is whether the contest will be bloody or smooth. But with Streeting out, the road is clear. Burnham inherits a party he has remade in his own image – and the chance to change the country.