Despite Starmer's Refusal to Resign, Labour Party Leadership Race Heats Up

by Yoo Jaehoon

Published 21 May.2026 19:45(KST)

As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to reject calls for his resignation from within and outside the party following an election defeat, leading contenders within the ruling Labour Party are already accelerating their moves toward the upcoming leadership race.

According to the BBC on May 20 (local time), former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has proposed the introduction of an "effective wealth tax" as a key pledge in the party leadership race. Streeting envisions that this measure could secure an additional 12 billion pounds (approximately 24.3 trillion won) in annual tax revenue.

Yonhap News Agency

Streeting stated, "This change will correct an unfair tax system that disadvantages labor, and will encourage investment by applying a lower capital gains tax rate to genuine entrepreneurs." Within the party, Streeting is known for his strong centrist stance. Analysts suggest that his wealth tax pledge is aimed at garnering support from the party's left-wing base.

Streeting was a member of Prime Minister Starmer’s cabinet but resigned following the election defeat. Some have speculated that Streeting might challenge for the position of Prime Minister in place of Starmer; however, Starmer continues to reject persistent calls for his resignation from both inside and outside the party. Streeting has recently expressed his intention to run if a leadership contest is held.

Additionally, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is also eyeing the party leadership. Burnham, regarded as a moderate left figure within the party, recently ranked first in a YouGov poll of Labour Party members, with a preference rating of 47%. This figure is significantly higher than that of Prime Minister Starmer (31%) and former Health Secretary Streeting (3%).