2.3.2 – Collective Ministerial Responsibility
Every so often there is an event in politics that will be used as an example for years to come. Last week offered such an example in the resignation of Wes Streeting. It is a very significant example of collective ministerial responsibility.
Wes Streeting has been an MP since 2015 and has been involved in politics for most of his life. Indeed, whilst at university, he was the President of the National Union of Students. After the 2024 General Election he was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. However, he has never been shy of admitting that this is not the limit of his ambition and that he has always wanted to be Prime Minister.
Following the local election results last week, it was clear that the pressure on Keir Starmer would rise to boiling point. As many as 90 MPs called for Starmer to quit as the week went on. Then, slowly, there were some ministerial resignations. These included Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, who was the first to resign and called on Keir Starmer to go; Jess Phillips, the Safeguarding Minister (and the most senior of the four); Alex Davies-Jones, the Minister for Victims; and Zubir Ahmed, a Health Minister. Of these, some were known to be Streeting allies, perhaps with the hope that others would follow.
In politics, it is often said that ‘he who wields the knife will never wear the crown’ – Streeting, despite his ambitions, did not want to be the first senior member of the Government to resign. With speculation mounting throughout the week, Keir Starmer was asked if he ‘had confidence’ in Wes Streeting – his reply was consistently in the affirmative. Yet, on Thursday, Streeting could wait no more. He pulled the metaphorical pin from the grenade, writing Starmer a long resignation letter:
‘You have many great strengths that I admire. You led our party to a victory few thought possible in 2024 and I was proud to fight alongside you in the trenches of that campaign. You have shown courage and statesmanship on the world stage – not least in keeping Britain out of the war in Iran.
But where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift. This was underscored by your speech on Monday. Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords. You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.’
As is customary, Starmer responded. He praised Streeting for his record as Health Secretary and said that ‘I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in our party for many years to come’.
What comes next for Streeting is questionable. It appears he may not have the numbers to sustain a serious leadership bid. Yet, politicians who are close to him have indicated that he will run in any leadership contest. However, Streeting has called for a contest which ‘needs to be broad, and it needs the best possible field of candidates’. Streeting has also supported Andy Burnham being put forward as the candidate for a by-election in Makerfield. To some, this has led to speculation that Streeting may be angling for a senior role in any potential Burnham Cabinet, rather than a serious bid for the leadership itself.