Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as the UK’s health secretary, declared on Saturday his intention to run for the position of Labour leader and prime minister. This announcement came after the Labour Party experienced disappointing results in the local elections.

“We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing,” Streeting stated at a think tank event in London. His declaration follows the announcement by Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, of his bid to become a member of Parliament. Success in this endeavor could position Burnham for a Labour leadership contest.

Streeting’s resignation letter was critical of current Labour leader Keir Starmer, indicating a lack of confidence in Starmer’s ability to lead the party into the next general election. He highlighted a “vacuum” where the party requires “vision.” His departure followed the resignations of four other members of Starmer’s government after the local election losses.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party made notable gains across England in these elections.

Streeting is one among several potential challengers to Starmer. According to party rules, challengers need backing from at least 20% of Labour’s members of Parliament to initiate a leadership election.

Despite this, Starmer is resolved to stay in his role, cautioning that a leadership contest could result in governmental “chaos.” He emphasized the need to focus on pressing issues like the cost of living crisis and the Middle East conflict. Starmer has been in office for nearly two years following a significant Labour victory in the last parliamentary elections.