Streeting quits as health secretary at 'critical time' for NHS

James Manning/PA Wire

By Erin Dean

Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary at a “critical time” for the NHS, doctors’ leaders have warned.

Streeting quit on Thursday after days of mounting speculation, calling for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Health experts said Streeting’s almost two years in post had been “eventful” – and that the change could have a significant impact on his NHS reorganisation plans.

The British Medical Association pointed out that the next health secretary will have to deal with “all major groups” of doctors in England being in dispute with the government.

This includes the long running resident doctor strikes over pay and jobs.

Streeting’s resignation follows days of turmoil in which calls have mounted for the Prime Minister to step down in the wake of Labour’s election mauling last week.

'Drift' at the top of government

In his resignation letter, Streeting criticised the “drift” at the top of government and told the Prime Minister it is “clear” he will not lead Labour into the next election.

The move could fire the gun on a leadership contest in which Angela Rayner has also indicated she could run, with other possible contenders including energy secretary Ed Miliband, armed forces minister Al Carns and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

Streeting said improvements in NHS waiting times could be one reason to “remain in post, but as you know from our conversation earlier this week, having lost confidence in your leadership, I have concluded that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to do so”.

Starmer praised Streeting’s work as health secretary in his response to his resignation.

He added: “I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service."

Health experts said that Streeting had started many changes, including a major NHS reorganisation, and praised positive shifts including falling waiting times.

He had set out ambitious plan to move more care to the community from hospitals in his 10 Year Health Plan last July.

Legislation to modernise the NHS, including abolishing NHS England, was part of the King’s Speech on Wednesday.

'Not stuck around to fix NHS'

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King's Fund, a health think tank, described Streeting’s almost 700 days leading the NHS as “eventful”.

“His very first announcement would set the tone for his 'move fast and break things' approach declaring that 'from today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken'. He has not stuck around long enough to fix it, but he can point to some areas of progress.”

She said that Streeting is also responsible for setting the wheels in motion for the largest NHS restructure in over a decade.

His departure the day after legislation required for the restructure was announced means the “potential ramifications are even more acute”, she said.

BMA deputy chair of council Dr Emma Runswick said: “The change of the most senior politician in charge of the nation’s health and care comes at a critical time.

“All major groups of NHS doctors in England are currently in dispute with the government, with the very real prospect of industrial action across all primary and secondary care doctors this year."

She continued: “Successfully resolving these disputes by valuing the expert clinicians who run services on the ground, preventing further strikes, and allowing us to get on with caring for patients at a time of almost record demand, must be at the very top of the new health secretary’s in-tray.”

Thea Stein, chief executive at the think thank the Nuffield Trust, said Streeting made a “promising start by commissioning Lord Darzi to carry out a review of the NHS”.

“However, undertaking a massive NHS reorganisation may well scupper the chance of delivering on Darzi's recommendations,” she said.

“Streeting has overseen slow but positive progress on public satisfaction with the NHS, including on access to GP appointments. There have also been some positive moves on reducing GP unemployment and an important commitment to reducing inequalities in access to GPs by reviewing the outdated and unfair funding formula.”

"A key element missing during Streeting's time as health and care secretary has been a proper recognition of the trade offs needed during a time of scarce resources.”

She pointed out it was “incredibly difficult” to shift more care to the community from hospitals, while trying to rapidly cut waiting times.”

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