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PoliticsWes Streeting withdraws from Labour leadership race, endorses Andy Burnham
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Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will not stand in the impending Labour Party leadership contest to succeed Keir Starmer, who resigned as party leader and Prime Minister. Streeting, who had previously secured backing from 81 MPs, instead endorsed Andy Burnham, citing the need for unity and avoiding 'exaggerating small differences' during the summer. He highlighted Burnham's role in the recent Makerfield by-election victory as proof that Labour can win when inclusive and united. Burnham, set to be sworn in as an MP later today, has confirmed he will enter the race. With Streeting's withdrawal, Burnham could become leader unopposed, consolidating support ahead of the contest nominations opening on July 9.
Source report
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will not stand in the Labour leadership contest to succeed Keir Starmer, instead endorsing Andy Burnham for the role.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed his resignation as party leader and Prime Minister in a statement outside Number 10 this morning. Nominations for the leadership contest are set to open on July 9.
Streeting had indicated in recent weeks that he would stand in such a contest and had secured the backing of 81 MPs to qualify as a candidate.
Streeting's Statement
In a statement, Streeting said Labour should “roll up our sleeves and help deliver the change our party and country needs”, rather than spending the summer “exaggerating small differences”.
He said:
“After a devastating set of election results in May, the Makerfield by-election has proven that Labour can still win if we have the courage to change. It was a victory for unity and hope over division and hatred.
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“It was also Andy Burnham’s victory. Andy has shown what Labour can be when we are inclusive, united, and in touch with the lives of the people this party was founded to represent.
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“Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I’m convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions; and that he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism.
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“We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy too.
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“We were elected to change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good, and to spread opportunity for everyone. With Andy, we still can.”
Burnham to Enter the Race
Andy Burnham, who will be sworn in as an MP later today, has confirmed he will stand to succeed Keir Starmer as party leader and Prime Minister. With Streeting now out of the race, there is a growing possibility that Burnham will become leader unopposed.
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Part of this Story
Andy Burnham Seeks Makerfield Seat to Challenge Starmer for Labour Leadership