Daily Politics from the New Statesman Wes Streeting is "pretty frustrated, tbh"
Dec 11, 2025
In this discussion, Alva Ray, the Political Editor for the New Statesman, shares insights from her revealing interview with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary. Streeting expresses frustration with Labour's ‘maintenance department’ image, warning it risks being outcompeted by cheaper alternatives. He advocates for a values-driven narrative and merging centre-left ideologies to strengthen the party. Additionally, Streeting reflects on his challenging upbringing, which fuels his commitment to policies that promote opportunity.
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Unspoken Frustration With Leadership
- Wes Streeting signals clear unhappiness with current leadership despite denying plots to oust Keir Starmer.
- He frames recent briefings as creating a perception that Starmer is "fighting for his job," undermining authority.
Constituency Campaign Clash
- Streeting recounts nearly losing Ilford North because he followed national campaign instructions over local instincts.
- He says Labour threatened to cut his access to the national voter database during the campaign.
Maintenance Dept Versus Values
- Streeting warns Labour risks being seen as a "maintenance department" offering technocratic fixes without a compelling vision.
- He urges a values-driven framing to explain choices and differentiate Labour from rivals.