Political Currency Wes Streeting on battling the Treasury, his plan for the NHS, and the reality of power
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Aug 21, 2025 Wes Streeting, Labour's Secretary of State for Health and MP for Ilford North, shares insights from his first year in power after years in opposition. He discusses Keir Starmer's leadership style and ambitious plans to empower patients and focus on NHS reform. Streeting also points out that Nigel Farage and Reform UK have become the 'real opposition.' Plus, he and George Osborne reveal hilarious tales about the lives of ministers and their drivers, shedding light on the unique camaraderie and gossip that can shape political careers.
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Move The Dial Every Single Day
- Make sure every day you move the dial; even small actions matter.
- Streeting aims to do at least one thing daily to progress his goals.
Treasury Runs Close Financial Oversight
- The Treasury exerts detailed control over departmental spending and requires ministers to manage upward.
- Wes Streeting learned to build relationships with Treasury ministers and officials to get reforms approved.
Starmer's Permissive, Results-Focused Leadership
- Keir Starmer operates unconventionally and is permissive once he trusts you, encouraging ministers to be bold.
- Streeting says Starmer often tells ministers: "go harder, go faster, be bolder."