Wes Streeting, a prominent Labour MP who has spoken openly about his Christian faith, has resigned as UK health secretary amid mounting pressure on the British government following a series of election defeats and growing unrest within the Labour Party.
In his resignation letter, Streeting said he had lost confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, writing: “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.”
He added: “It is now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election,” calling for what comes next to be a “battle of ideas” involving a broad field of candidates.
The resignation comes after reports of a potential leadership challenge, with more than 80 MPs reportedly calling for Sir Keir to step down following Labour’s recent electoral setbacks across Scotland, Wales and English councils. Several junior ministers have also resigned in recent days, adding to the pressure on the government.
Streeting, who has previously spoken openly about his Christian faith, has reflected in the past on how belief has shaped his life and politics.
In a 2023 interview with Premier Christianity, he described himself as a “practising Christian,” saying: “I always describe myself as a practising Christian, but not very good at it.”
The MP for Ilford North also spoke about reconciling his faith with his sexuality, saying: “I’ve got to a place now where I can finally reconcile my identity with my theology.” He added: "...we’re made in God’s image. I think God created gay people, that we are accepted, and our relationships are valid and important."
Streeting has also spoken about how his Christian upbringing shaped his sense of purpose and public service. In the same interview, he reflected on growing up in a working-class family with contrasting influences, including a Christian grandfather who played a formative role in his life.
He said politics, for him, is a calling rather than just a career: “I feel this is a noble calling. It is an act of public service, and a way of serving and giving back to others.”
