Former UK health chief looks to succeed prime minister

Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting plans to run for the leadership of the Labour Party, an ally of the politician has told Sky News.

“Wes is standing, had the numbers, and will be a contender,” a source told the broadcaster.

According to the source, Streeting wants to avoid a situation in which former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham becomes leader of the governing party unopposed and, consequently, prime minister.

On June 22, Labour leader and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his decision to step down. Nominations for the party leadership are scheduled to open on July 9, with the new leader expected to take office before Parliament returns from its summer recess, no later than September 1.

By Jeyhun Aghazada