Where Keir Starmer went wrong | Wes Streeting interview

Where Keir Starmer went wrong | Wes Streeting interview

Author: The New Statesman June 18, 2026 Duration: 58:27

The former Health Secretary reveals why he believes Keir Starmer is failing.


When Wes Streeting resigned from cabinet in May, it put an end to months of speculation. The former Health Secretary does want Keir Starmer’s job.


Since then, the Defence Secretary, John Healey, and the Armed Forces minister, Al Carns, have both resigned over the Defence Spending plan.


Keir Starmer’s leadership is looking more and more precarious.


Now Andy Burnham is running in the Makerfield by-election. If he becomes an MP, that could clear a way for him to contest the leadership himself.


In the days leading up to the by-election, Wes Streeting came into the New Statesman studio for an extended interview with our Political Correspondent, Ethan Croft. In the conversation you’re about to hear, Streeting speaks candidly about the reasons he left government, his views on Keir Starmer’s leadership and what he believes Labour needs to do to reverse its ailing fortunes. He’s also surprisingly complimentary about his potential rival in a future leadership contest, Andy Burnham.



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Each weekday, Daily Politics from the New Statesman cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to offer something more substantial. Hosted by Anoosh Chakelian and Oli Dugmore, along with the wider New Statesman team, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, it provides sharp reporting and clear analysis from the heart of Westminster, paired with thoughtful conversations that look beyond the capital to the cultural and societal forces shaping the political landscape. You'll hear from the magazine's own journalists and a range of expert guests who help explain not just what is happening, but why it matters. The perspective is inherently progressive, rooted in the New Statesman's long tradition as a leading voice in British political commentary. Tuning into this podcast means getting a deeper, more considered understanding of the day's events, delivered with clarity and insight. It’s designed for anyone who feels that politics is too important to be left to soundbites, offering a reliable and engaging daily digest that makes complex issues accessible without oversimplifying them.
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