Starmer to face Commons grilling as Streeting plans resignation speech

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face questions in the Commons on Wednesday, his first grilling since the resignation of health secretary Wes Streeting and the selection of Andy Burnham as Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election. The session follows Labour’s heavy losses in the May elections and growing calls for Starmer’s resignation, with Burnham’s return to Westminster seen as a potential leadership challenge. Streeting, who criticized government ‘drift’ in his resignation letter, plans to deliver a speech in the chamber, adding to the political unrest. Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee shortlisted Burnham without a local party vote, bypassing democratic process concerns. His selection sets up a contest against Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who won every ward in the constituency during last month’s local elections. Starmer has insisted he will not step down, despite Burnham positioning himself as a candidate to ‘change Labour’ and challenge the government’s direction. Defence Secretary John Healey warned that Labour’s ‘credibility in Government is at stake’ due to internal leadership jockeying, urging focus on governance over political maneuvering. Former Welsh Labour first minister Mark Drakeford called Starmer’s position ‘irrecoverable’ and pledged support for Burnham, while Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of prioritizing leadership speculation over governing. The Makerfield by-election, triggered by former MP Josh Simons’ resignation, remains tight, with Simons winning by just 5,399 votes in 2024. Streeting has confirmed he will stand in any leadership contest, further escalating the crisis. Meanwhile, Starmer avoided discussing internal turmoil at a Downing Street event, instead highlighting renters’ rights reforms as a government priority.