Wes Streeting faces narrow road to Labour members’ favour

Published: 12 May 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

“Country first, party second” is a mantra Keir Starmer and his cabinet have repeated since being in opposition, seeking to draw a dividing line between Labour and their Conservative predecessors’ inclination for self-destruction. But party members do matter in politics – and a key problem for Wes Streeting, one of those with ambitions to succeed Keir Starmer, is that many of Labour’s do not like him. Just before Labour’s heavy local election losses, a Compass survey of more than 1,000 members found that if they were given a free choice, 42% would pick Andy Burnham to succeed Starmer – against just 11% for Streeting. And whereas Burnham had a 44% favourability rating, only 18% felt the same towards the health secretary.

That result put Streeting roughly on a par with Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband – but given those potential candidates and Burnham are firmly to his left, it would appear to suggest that the majority of the party would prefer not to have a candidate in Streeting’s place on the ideological spectrum. Both Miliband and Rayner were viewed favourably by comfortably more members than Streeting was. Among all the plotting and jostling for position in the leadership contest, that presents a serious challenge for Streeting. While he is thought to be the candidate most ready for a leadership contest, he is on the right of the party, formerly close to Peter Mandelson and of the Blairite Progress wing.

In recent months he has been seen as seeking to position himself further to the left, perhaps in an effort to secure more support from the members who will ultimately choose the victor from a list nominated by MPs. Recent research by Queen Mary University of London found that about 48% of Labour members describe themselves as “fairly leftwing”. The close result of Labour’s deputy leadership election and a low turnout suggested that members are still largely on the so-called soft left. And they may remain cautious of any successor trying to appear more leftwing than their record states, given Keir Starmer’s 2020 leadership pledges, which many viewed as having ultimately been betrayed after he won the job.

Since Starmer succeeded Jeremy Corbyn in April 2020, many members have quit: from a peak of 532,046 members at the end of 2019, Labour lost more than 200,000 members, ending 2024 with 333,235 onside. “Lots of grassroots members have left the Labour since the general election, either to join the Greens (and to a lesser extent Your Party), or just to give up belonging to any party,” said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. “Starmer, inasmuch as he has any strong values, is pretty much like your [current] average Labour member, and the fact that in some ways he seems to have betrayed them is partly responsible for their disillusionment with him,” Bale said.

“But anyone on the right of the Labour party hoping that this means those remaining are on their side is probably fooling themselves.” Still, Bale said, there may be hope for Streeting yet. “Even those who’ve stuck around are highly likely to be leftwing and very socially liberal. But one thing we know about members – and Starmer getting himself elected in 2020 rather than Corbyn’s anointed successor, Rebecca Long-Bailey, is proof of this – is that party members also want to win elections,” he said. “So if Streeting can show them he’s the guy to do that, he still has a chance, even if he’s not their ideological ideal.”

The current political landscape suggests that Streeting must bridge a significant gap to win over the core base. His supporters argue that his reformist agenda for the National Health Service demonstrates the pragmatic leadership required for power. However, critics within the party often view his rhetoric as a departure from traditional Labour values and social policies. This internal friction is a recurring theme in the party’s history, often pitting centrists against the left wing. Streeting’s challenge is to convince the skeptical majority that his vision aligns with their long-term goals for Britain. The road to the top is frequently paved with difficult compromises and strategic shifts.

The internal polling reflects a broader desire for a leader who can unify disparate factions. Andy Burnham’s popularity stems from his perceived authenticity and distance from the perceived Westminster bubble’s rigid structures. For Streeting, matching that level of grassroots connection remains a difficult task despite his frequent media presence. He often emphasizes his working-class roots to counter the image of a polished, careerist politician. Whether this personal narrative can overcome the deep-seated ideological suspicions of the membership remains to be seen. The coming years will likely see more intense scrutiny of his voting record and public statements.

Leadership contests in the Labour Party are notoriously unpredictable and often turn on sudden shifts in mood. While Streeting is organized, organization alone does not always win the hearts of the activist base. He must navigate the delicate balance of appearing as a credible Prime Minister in waiting. At the same time, he must not alienate the people who manage local branches. Many members are looking for a leader who offers a sense of hope and radicalism. Streeting’s brand of pragmatism can sometimes be interpreted as a lack of ambition for social change. He will need to articulate a clearer, more inspiring vision for the future.

The decline in membership numbers has fundamentally changed the demographic and ideological makeup of the voting body. Those who remain are often the most dedicated and, conversely, the most difficult for a centrist to persuade. The influence of trade unions also remains a pivotal factor in any potential leadership bid. Streeting has worked to build relationships with union leaders, but these alliances are often fragile and conditional. His success will depend on his ability to form a broad coalition across the party’s spectrum. Without the support of at least some significant left-leaning blocks, his path remains exceptionally narrow.

Public perception of the government’s performance will also play a critical role in determining the next leader. If the current administration is seen as failing, the membership may lunge toward a more radical alternative. Conversely, if Starmer’s approach is vindicated, a continuity candidate like Streeting might find a more receptive and loyal audience. The interplay between ministerial success and party popularity is a complex dance that defines political careers. Streeting’s performance as Health Secretary is the primary lens through which he is currently judged. Any perceived failures in the NHS would be a significant blow to his leadership credentials.

The shifting tides of British politics mean that today’s favorites can easily become tomorrow’s also-rans. Streeting is well aware of the historical precedents where front-runners have stumbled at the final hurdle. He continues to engage with various wings of the party through private meetings and public forums. His media strategy is designed to build a profile that transcends the narrow confines of health policy. This broad-based approach is intended to demonstrate his versatility and readiness for the highest political office. Yet, the ghost of previous leadership battles still haunts the corridors of the party’s headquarters.

Ultimately, the choice of the next Labour leader will be a reflection of the party’s soul. It is a decision that involves a calculation of both ideological purity and electoral viability. Streeting’s supporters believe he offers the best chance of retaining power in a general election. His detractors worry that the price of such success would be the dilution of Labour’s identity. This fundamental tension is the crucible in which his leadership ambitions will be tested and shaped. As the political cycle continues, the pressure on Streeting to define himself will only grow. His journey toward the leadership is just beginning to unfold in earnest.

The importance of regional representation cannot be overlooked in the quest for the party’s top job. Figures like Burnham have successfully tapped into a sense of regional pride that resonates deeply with members. Streeting, representing a London seat, must work harder to prove he understands the concerns of the North. This geographic divide has often played a role in internal party dynamics and leadership selection processes. A truly national leader must be able to speak to all parts of the country. Streeting’s ability to communicate his message effectively outside the capital will be a key metric.

Looking ahead, the party’s evolution will be shaped by external economic and social pressures. The next leader will need to offer robust solutions to the challenges of the late twenties. Streeting’s focus on modernization and efficiency is a central part of his current political identity. Whether this resonates with a membership increasingly concerned with inequality and climate change is uncertain. The ideological battleground is shifting, and all potential candidates must adapt to the new reality. The future of the Labour Party depends on its ability to remain relevant to voters. Streeting’s narrow road to favor is a microcosm of the party’s broader journey.

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