Streeting launches scathing attack on Starmer - and calls for UK to rejoin EU

Ex-health secretary, who is expected to launch leadership bid soon, condemns ‘heavy-handed’ approach

Wes Streeting has launched a scathing attack on what he described as Keir Starmer’s “heavy-handed” leadership culture, which he claimed had stifled creative policy thinking in government.

Streeting criticised the effectiveness of Labour’s first two years in power – all of which he has spent in cabinet – saying Labour “arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction”.