UK Health Minister Wes Streeting Poised to Resign, May Challenge Party Leadership
Wes Streeting's Potential Resignation and Leadership Challenge
Resignation Plans and Timing
LONDON, May 13 (Reuters) - Britain's health minister Wes Streeting is preparing to resign and could quit as early as Thursday, the Times reported on Wednesday, adding that he is likely to mount a formal challenge for the party leadership.
Meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Streeting had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday ahead of the King's Speech, the report said, citing allies of Streeting who said he had made clear he was determined to proceed with the challenge.
Preparations for Leadership Challenge
Discussions have also taken place about preparing nomination papers for lawmakers to back a leadership challenge, according to the Times.
Official Statement from Streeting's Spokesman
The Times cited a spokesman for Streeting as saying:
Streeting's Position on NHS and King's Speech
"Wes is the Health Secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS. He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the Prime Minister that might distract from the King’s Speech."
Response from Streeting's Office
There was no immediate comment from his office.
(Reporting by Muvija M and William James, writing by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kate Holton)
