Former minister who resigned in the UK calls for competition with Prime Minister Starmer

The crisis in British politics caused by the defeat of the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in the local elections is deepening.

Wes Streeting, who resigned as UK Health Secretary last Thursday, made harsh criticisms of the Starmer government. Speaking at a conference held during a period when calls for Starmer's resignation have intensified, Streeting announced that he would compete to replace Starmer in any leadership contest that may be held.

Streeting said, "We need a real competition with the best candidates on the field, and I will be part of that race."

Addressing the participants, Streeting referred to the 2016 referendum on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union (EU), describing the situation and its consequences as a "disastrous mistake." Arguing that the decision has left the UK in the weakest position in its history since the Industrial Revolution, the former minister said the country should aim to rejoin the European Union.

Streeting stated, "We need a new special relationship with the EU because the UK's future lies in Europe and in one day being back in the EU."

According to Labour Party rules, it is known that for a new leadership election to be initiated, each candidate must receive the support of at least 20 percent of the party's members of parliament.

Meanwhile, following Streeting's resignation, Prime Minister Starmer appointed former Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray as the new Health Secretary.

Starmer had said he would remain in office

Keir Starmer held a meeting with cabinet members on May 12 in the shadow of increasing pressure. Reaffirming his intention to remain in office at the meeting, Starmer said, "The country expects us to continue governing. That is what I am doing and what we as a cabinet must do."

The Labour Party had lost more than 1,200 seats in local councils

The Labour Party suffered major losses in the local and regional elections held last week, particularly against Reform UK and the Greens. While the Labour Party lost more than 1,200 seats in local councils in the elections, Reform UK, which made a strong breakthrough, won more than 1,300 seats and gained control of 13 councils. The British press reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Starmer to continue as prime minister following the election defeat, and that more than 70 Labour MPs and numerous cabinet ministers have called on Starmer to resign or set a timetable for his departure.