Politics inside the United Kingdom has taken another dramatic twist.
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of preparing to sack Health Secretary Wes Streeting amid whispers that Streeting might have ambitions to take over the Labour leadership.
The claims surfaced just ahead of Thursday’s critical Gorton and Denton by-election, prompting heated debate inside Labour ranks.
Some MPs described the alleged plan as a “punishment beating disguised as a reshuffle,” suggesting it could be more about optics than governance.
The Alleged Plan and Internal Reactions
According to insiders, the so-called plan was twofold: remove Streeting to assert control and reinstate former deputy PM Angela Rayner, even though she too has been linked to potential leadership ambitions.
One Labour MP told reporters, “We’re hearing he wants to show strength and get shot of Wes.
And to curry favour with more Left-wing MPs, he’d bring Angie back. He’s always said he wants her back.”
Another insider explained the timing issue: Sir Keir allegedly wants to wait until Rayner is cleared of her ongoing tax row over £40,000 of unpaid stamp duty before making any moves.
“He’s being told he can’t hang around and should get on with that now,” the source said.
Recent Challenges to Starmer’s Leadership
The PM’s position has already been tested.
Barely two weeks ago, he narrowly avoided a leadership crisis after controversy erupted over his decision to nominate Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite Mandelson’s past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The fallout was swift: chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar openly called for Starmer to quit, and party insiders noted that neither Streeting nor Rayner were yet ready to challenge the leadership.
Angela Rayner’s Position
Rayner’s situation remains delicate.
She resigned from the Cabinet last year amid an HMRC investigation into alleged unpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 Hove flat.
Supporters privately believe she will be exonerated for what they consider an “inadvertent error.”
Starmer’s alleged desire to wait for her clearance highlights the careful balancing act he faces in managing party dynamics.
Wes Streeting and Leadership Speculation
Meanwhile, critics argue that Streeting’s prior links to Mandelson could damage his own leadership prospects, though he denies being close friends with Mandelson.
In November, Streeting denied maneuvering against Starmer, and his allies continue to reject any suggestion of a current leadership plot.
Downing Street has dismissed reports that Starmer plans to sack Streeting as “utter nonsense,” pointing to Streeting’s success in reducing waiting lists as Health Secretary.
A Number 10 source emphasized, “Wes is doing a great job as Health Secretary, cutting waiting lists to their lowest level in three years.”
What’s Next
Labour now faces a delicate period. The immediate focus will be on the by-election results in Gorton and Denton, which could influence internal power plays.
Meanwhile, MPs and party strategists are monitoring ongoing developments around Rayner’s HMRC investigation.
If she is cleared, speculation about a potential return to a senior role may intensify, as will conjecture about Starmer’s long-term leadership strategy.
For Streeting, continued performance in the Health Secretary role will likely define whether he remains a contender for the leadership or is sidelined.
The party’s internal maneuvers, combined with looming elections in May, suggest a high-stakes political chess game over the coming months.
Summary
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of planning to remove Health Secretary Wes Streeting while potentially reinstating former deputy PM Angela Rayner.
The alleged move comes amid Labour turbulence following Peter Mandelson’s controversial US ambassador nomination and ongoing scrutiny of Rayner’s HMRC investigation.
Downing Street has dismissed claims of any plot against Streeting, highlighting his success as Health Secretary.
The party now faces high-stakes by-elections and looming May elections that could influence leadership dynamics.
