UK Health Secretary Resigns, Triggering Leadership Challenge Against PM Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces an open rebellion within the Labour Party after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet on Thursday. Streeting, a senior minister, cited a lack of vision and direction under Starmer’s leadership, marking the first major defection following the party's disastrous performance in recent local and regional elections. His resignation is viewed as a precursor to a formal leadership challenge. Simultaneously, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resolved her tax issues, clearing the way for her to potentially contest the leadership if Streeting initiates a vote. The pressure on Starmer intensifies amid voter frustration over stagnant economic growth and high inflation, despite recent positive GDP figures. While Starmer warns that a leadership contest would cause chaos during global conflicts and domestic crises, over 81 Labour MPs have reportedly called for his resignation. Other potential candidates, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, are also being discussed, signaling a significant internal crisis for the governing party less than two years after their landslide election victory.