Labour faces internal dissent after by-election loss to Greens
Wes Streeting has cautioned that Labour must not shift leftward in response to its recent by-election defeat to the Green Party, reports BritPanorama. The Health Secretary’s comments were made during a speech to activists at the Labour North conference, where he urged the party to maintain its centrist stance rather than attempt to “out-Green the Greens,” especially regarding their controversial proposals on drug legalization and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Streeting’s remarks can be interpreted as a direct counter to his rival, ex-deputy PM Angela Rayner, who has advocated for a leftward shift following the party’s disappointing performance, where Labour secured only a third place in the Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester, trailing behind the reformists.
Historically a stronghold for Labour, the Gorton and Denton constituency once represented a solid Labour seat but now reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters. The party’s struggles have intensified calls for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, with polls indicating a precarious position as approval ratings plummet to net -49, lower than those of previous Prime Ministers like Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
Streeting continued by asserting that Labour should not perceive attacks on the Greens’ policies as assaults on hope, reflecting concerns from some Labour MPs regarding Starmer’s description of Green policies as extreme. He positioned the party’s identity as centrist, stating, “Our party has always succeeded when we refuse to choose between centre and left.”
In critiquing Green leader Zack Polanski, Streeting expressed his firm opposition to the legalization of Class A drugs, drawing from personal experiences that inform his stance on the issue. His comments highlight a broader challenge facing Labour as it grapples with shifting public sentiments.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, suggested that Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could have retained the Gorton seat had he been permitted to contest, referencing internal party politics that have hampered leadership decisions.
The internal pressures facing Labour illustrate a party at a crossroads, with half of Labour voters now reportedly considering a vote for the Greens, signalling a significant challenge as the party navigates its future strategy in the lead-up to general elections.
As Labour grapples with its identity amid electoral setbacks, the question remains whether it can effectively balance the demands of its traditional base with emerging progressive sentiments. This dynamic reflects broader trends within UK politics that are reshaping party identities and voter alignments.
