Wes Streeting, the former UK health secretary, has confirmed he'll enter any potential Labour leadership contest, just days after resigning from his position and telling the prime minister he'd lost confidence in him. He made this decision because he doesn't think the current leadership is working.

Streeting made the announcement on Saturday, saying, 'We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I'll be standing.' He also stated that leaving the European Union was a catastrophic mistake and that the UK should rejoin the bloc one day. This decision, he believes, will help the UK regain its former status.

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC he's seeking to stand in the Makerfield by-election to save the Labour Party. Burnham, who's widely expected to try to replace Sir Keir Starmer as leader should he be selected as the party's candidate in the by-election and win, said the vote must be a moment to reclaim the Labour party, to save it from where it's been. He doesn't want the party to continue down its current path.

The UK prime minister is resisting calls to stand down and set a timetable for his departure following Labour's election losses in early May. He's expected to fight any challenge from likely contenders, including Burnham and Streeting. The prime minister's decision won't be easy, as he's facing pressure from many sides.

Streeting resigned on Thursday but stopped short of formally launching a challenge to Sir Keir's leadership. Asked on Saturday whether he had the backing of the 81 Labour MPs needed to trigger such a contest, Streeting said, 'I've got support in the parliamentary party, but this week I also had a choice.' He didn't elaborate on what that choice was, but it's clear he's considering his options carefully.

Speaking to reporters at a conference hosted by Labour-aligned political organisation Progress, he went on to say the party could've rushed into a contest. However, doing so without giving Burnham the chance to stand would mean a new leader would lack legitimacy. This, he said, would end up extending the instability and uncertainty in the party. The party needs a legitimate leader to move forward.

Burnham said, 'We've got to see this as a moment to reclaim the Labour party, to save it from where it's been - we can't just carry on as we are.' He's calling for change, and he's not alone. Many Labour MPs are calling for a new leader.

Streeting also told the conference that Brexit was a catastrophic mistake and that the country needed a new special relationship with the EU. The former health secretary said it had left the UK less wealthy, less powerful, and less in control than at any point before the Industrial Revolution. This, he believes, is a significant setback for the country.

The MP for Ilford North argued that Britain's future lies with Europe and that it'll be back in the EU one day. Streeting said he wouldn't speculate on Sir Keir's future, and that despite any disagreements between them, the prime minister has many remarkable qualities and is someone of enormous decency. He's trying to remain neutral in the situation.

Asked what he'd say to voters thinking about backing Burnham, Streeting said, 'Vote for him, in Makerfield especially.' Burnham was cleared on Friday to stand in the by-election by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, after the constituency's current MP said he'd vacate it to make way for the Manchester mayor. This decision wasn't unexpected, but it's still significant.

This would pave the way for him to return to Westminster as an MP - which he must do to join a leadership contest under Labour Party rules. He told the BBC on Saturday that Labour needs to be better. The party's current state is unacceptable to him.

The BBC understands the by-election is likely to take place on 18 June. Sir Keir has faced mounting pressure from MPs to resign following elections on 7 May, which saw Labour lose almost 1,500 councillors in England and suffer heavy losses in Wales and Scotland's national elections. The pressure on him is intense, and it won't be easy to withstand.

The BBC is aware of nearly 90 Labour MPs who have since called on Sir Keir to leave his post, or set out a timetable for his resignation. However, more than 150 MPs have indicated support for the prime minister, or said it's not the right time for a leadership contest. The party is divided, and it's unclear what the future holds.

Sir Keir has told his cabinet that he'll get on with governing and warned that a leadership contest could result in chaos. He's trying to maintain order, but it's getting harder. The situation is complex, and it's difficult to predict what will happen next.

  • Wes Streeting confirms he'll enter a potential Labour leadership contest
  • Andy Burnham vows to save the Labour Party
  • Labour Party faces crisis after poor election performance
  • UK prime minister resists calls to stand down
  • Brexit described as a catastrophic mistake by Streeting
  • Burnham cleared to stand in Makerfield by-election
  • By-election likely to take place on 18 June
  • Nearly 90 Labour MPs call on Sir Keir to resign
  • More than 150 MPs indicate support for the prime minister