Streeting warns against 'expensive' Labour leadership pledges

A Labour leadership contest must not become a race of who can offer "the most expensive and popular pledges to the party faithful at the expense of the British people", Wes Streeting has said.

The former health secretary told an audience in central London he would not use a leadership campaign to make costly promises that he would have to later reverse.

Both Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have said they would stand in a contest to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, but neither have confirmed whether they would trigger such a contest.

Streeting told the BBC he had the backing of the 81 Labour MPs he would need in order to launch a leadership challenge.

He later added that "for the avoidance of doubt" there would be a contest.

Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in France, Sir Keir reiterated his intention "not to walk away" but to "carry on with what I was elected to do".

Streeting said he hoped that, following the Makerfield by-election on Thursday, the prime minister would "reflect on his own position and set out a timetable" for his departure.

If Burnham wins the by-election and becomes an MP, he will be able to initiate or join a leadership race - something he is currently unable to do as Greater Manchester mayor.