Wes Streeting’s Leadership Challenge: Labour Members Prefer the Left

Health secretary Wes Streeting, the most ready contender for Labour leadership, faces limited support among members ahead of the next contest. While Keir Starmer promotes a “country first, party second” mantra, internal polling shows Streeting trailing other potential successors.

The Guardian

Since Starmer replaced Jeremy Corbyn in April 2020, Labour’s membership fell from 532,046 in 2019 to 333,235 in 2024, a loss of over 200,000. Many left for the Greens or quit politics. Queen Mary University research shows 48 % of remaining members describe themselves as “fairly left-wing,” suggesting a soft-left base that may disadvantage a right-leaning candidate.

The Guardian

Compass poll of >1,000 members: 42 % would choose Andy Burnham, 11 % Streeting. Favorability: Burnham 44 %; Streeting 18 % (similar to Rayner and Miliband). Membership fell from 532,046 (2019) to 333,235 (2024); 48 % self-identify as fairly left-wing.

The Guardian

Labour’s leadership stresses a “country first, party second” stance, aiming to distance the party from perceived Conservative self-destruction. Party officials acknowledge that members prioritize winning elections, echoing analyses that electoral viability outweighs strict ideology.

The Guardian

Political scientist Tim Bale says the loss of grassroots members signals disillusionment with Starmer’s perceived betrayal of Labour values. He warns right-leaning hopefuls cannot assume remaining members will side with them, noting most stayers are still left-wing and socially liberal. For Streeting, electability, not ideology, may be the decisive factor.

The Guardian

• “Lots of grassroots members have left the Labour since the general election, either to join the Greens (and to a lesser extent Your Party), or just to give up belonging to any party,” — Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London

The Guardian

• “Starmer, inasmuch as he has any strong values, is pretty much like your [current] average Labour member, and the fact that in some ways he seems to have betrayed them is partly responsible for their disillusionment with him,” — Tim Bale

The Guardian

• “But anyone on the right of the Labour party hoping that this means those remaining are on their side is probably fooling themselves.” — Tim Bale

The Guardian

• “So if Streeting can show them he’s the guy to do that, he still has a chance, even if he’s not their ideological ideal.” — Tim Bale

The Guardian

All sources agree on the poll numbers, but none explain the exact nomination rules or how MPs’ selections will shape the final leadership ballot, leaving a gap in the contest’s procedural picture.

The Guardian

The leadership election is expected in the near future. Streeting must appeal to a left-leaning base while presenting himself as the candidate most likely to win a general election. Success hinges on bridging ideological gaps and convincing members that electability outweighs policy.

The Guardian