I think Wes Streeting is the fresh direction Labour needs now

[WesStreetingForPM]

Name changed because we are at a pivotal point in our lifetimes, and my focus now needs to be on this.

I do think Starmer is a decent man, but Labour risks being wiped out entirely if he stays in charge. I see this in my own family and community.

We need a change of direction and a fresh face who can actually connect and get things done. For me, and I feel for those around me, that person is Wes Streeting.

He’s done a solid job as Health Secretary in tough circumstances. He’s pragmatic, articulate and not afraid of reform where it’s needed (which is exactly what the NHS requires). He comes from a genuine working-class background - council estate and free school meals - so he understands real life in a way some career politicians don’t. He can talk about aspiration, responsibility and actually winning elections in a way most career politicians simply cannot.

And yes, I’ll say it - the fact that he’s an openly gay man is a massive positive. It shows progress and that someone can reach the top on merit while being open about who they are. Representation matters!

Wes feels like the candidate who could actually win the next election and deliver.

I would love to see Mumsnet unite behind Wes - who I think would make a fantastic Prime Minister.

If you feel representation is important, surely a female prime minister should be next

Shabana Mahmood is pretty competent then and of Pakistani origin. Will that do?

Incomes the Red Labour vs the Blue Labour fight - which was always brewing under the surface.
Meanwhile it transpires that Polanski may have not paid council tax on his house boat. The thing is paying your taxes is sort of a fundamental.
I reckon Dan Neidle must be Blue Labour then? Anyone know? He is exposing a lot of them.

Would like to know a bit more about this whole Blue Labour movement.

Sorry Wes, the Tories beat to you to having a POC as PM -- or have you already forgotten Rishi Sunak?

Wes Steering is a bare faced liar

Yes a female would be a good change for labour and a long time coming

Streeting has not recruited 8000+ EXTRA MH workers

24000 have left

We are at net -16000

Very good OP. What other funny opinions do you have?

Streeting is in the pockets of several interested parties who want more of the NHS privatised. He’s poor under pressure, and from the frontline, has done SFA to “stabilise” the NHS. This country is going through a massive mental health crisis still after the COVID crisis with legacy illnesses but you celebrate the fact he’s only brought in 8500 mental health workers into the NHS. We need so many more than that! Streeting is also fucking terrible under pressure. Wtf does he think he is, because a statesman he is not.

I think Starmer should stay. He’s not a “minority” nor got much personality and this leadership challenge is just BS from the MSM and social media. Starmer has made mistakes, sure, but he is delivering some of the boring shit he promised, it’s just not sexy enough for likes. I’d rather a plodder than Wes fucking Streeting, thank you.

I've said I'm prepared to compromise on this.

There are a number of women who'd make good PMs - the standout three are Emily Thornberry, Rachael Reeves and Jess Phillips in my opinion

She's a bit too right wing for my liking but I'd happily vote for a Muslim woman

It feels like the far right have hijacked this thread.

Bit worried are you?

Nope don’t agree. He’s ex student union rep. Hardly has the calibre required but great for arguing with the GMC.

Yvettte Cooper I like

Anyone else going to watch The Thick of It: Rise Of The Nutters tonight?!

Seriously?

If you dont agree that Wes Streeting isnt a serious candidate you are far right now??

This has to be a wind up. Hello staffer in Wes' office I am sure you've enjoyed your day. But perhaps get back to some of the day job now.

Ths is the second thread today on exactly the same subject! Are you bored OP?

I have no axe to grind re Wes Streeting but I do think now is the completely wrong time to upend British politics with a leadership challenge to Starmer.
PS I can't see any far right posters on your threads 🙄

I respectfully disagree with all three of your choices. I suspect all three of them will lose their seats in the next GE though.

Zack Polanski has significantly more marganilised credentials than West Streeting. I agree that the Prime Minister of this country should be from a disadvantaged background but I think we can do better than someone who is simply part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This isn't 2015.

Streeting went to Cambridge University, so did Burnham.

Mahmood went to the same Oxford College as Sunak.

Polanski studied Drama and Sociology at a Welsh uni, which he seems to be drawing on quite successfully.

Also “far right” is within the Labour Party pejorative for what, Tory boy? I mean come on, these ridiculous Labour factions lead to what exactly?

Whether Mahmood is right wing or was told to implement a certain immigration policy is surely anyone’s guess? She still seems like a strong competent Iady who will take no stick from za boys unlike some of the other more gentle ladies. And as a barrister she can speak. She is the only one who can take on Nigel Farage.

Are you Wes’ wife op?

I don’t think background or belonging to a minority -visible or invisible-should be the deciding factor. Starmer despite all the jokes at his expense did have an awful, difficult childhood having read the biography of him, and was excellent as DPP but doesn’t have an ounce or charisma or political understanding. He has no knowledge of how Labour works, and no huge commitment to any policies, he just wants to be PM.
I don’t care of the next PM is a woman, gay or an ethnic minority, I just want them to have a vision of what they want to do, conviction and a plan on how to execute it. Starmer came into office with no plan and didn’t develop one. Margaret Hodge offered to organise training for all of the Cabinet ministers with one of the London universities on how the civil service operates and the best way to get the most out of their time there. It was something that Blair had done. Starmer refused, he didn’t see the point.
Andy Burnham has already lost 2 leadership elections, against Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn. He was seen as too Blairite. He blows with the wind and says whatever he thinks will get him elected. He’s never had to make tough decisions and has already spooked the markets with crass comments about ignoring the the bond markets.
I’m almost with OP. I think Streeting has commitment and conviction and is prepared to make tough decisions. But I can’t see him on the international stage at all. I do like Shabana Mahmood. As you can see I’m closer to blue Labour than any of the other factions. I think Starmer has to go quickly so the changes can happen and whoever gets in can calm the markets.

Are you on glue?

Wife???

I was optimistic when he became health minister but he's been awful. I've never known there to be so many unemployed doctors in my 20+ year career as an NHS doctor.

I agree OP. Certainly way better than Angela Rainer

”I was optimistic when he became health minister but he's been awful. I've never known there to be so many unemployed doctors in my 20+ year career as an NHS doctor.”

Sure, or was the most competent competition given the poisoned chalice which applies equally to both Streeting and Mahmood?

Please stop assuming that any and all of these politicians are not self serving careerist with one particular goal in mind, which is glory for themselves and the top job, whatever or whoever it takes on the way.

100% agree.