In a recently surfaced clip, Wes Streeting jokingly predicted he would become Prime Minister during a 2018 interview. The Health Secretary, who had to refute claims of planning a coup against Keir Starmer, participated in a comedic series where various MPs were asked who they thought would hold the PM position in the next decade.
While other MPs like Paul Sweeney, Preet Kaur Gill, Rupa Huq, and John Woodcock foresaw Jeremy Corbyn as PM, Tory Tim Loughton mentioned Kemi Badenoch. Streeting humorously suggested himself as the future PM during the show.
The resurfaced clip coincided with Streeting denying any involvement in a plot against Starmer amidst growing speculations about the PM’s future. Criticizing recent comments from Downing Street, Streeting condemned the divisive behavior within the party.
Comparing the internal conflict to a reality TV show, Streeting pledged his support for the PM and dismissed any insinuations of disloyalty within his team. Starmer acknowledged Streeting’s accomplishments in reducing NHS waiting lists during a session of PMQs, despite facing criticism from the opposition benches.
In response to questions about a supposed toxic culture in Downing Street, Starmer emphasized his dedication to rebuilding the country and condemned any attacks on his cabinet members. He praised Streeting for exceeding expectations by delivering more appointments than promised within the first year of a Labour government.