Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who said an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans youth was "uncomfortable" but "ultimately right", resigns from Government
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who said an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for trans youth was "uncomfortable" but "ultimately right", has resigned from Government.
Mr Streeting announced his departure today (Thursday, 14. May), saying he had “lost confidence” in Sir Keir’s leadership and could no longer remain in Cabinet “honourably and in good conscience”. The resignation makes him the first senior Cabinet minister to quit openly in protest against the Prime Minister.
The move follows days of mounting unrest within the Labour Party after heavy losses in local and devolved elections. A number of MPs and junior ministers have publicly questioned Sir Keir’s future, while allies of Mr Streeting are reportedly attempting to gather support for a potential leadership contest.
In his resignation letter, Mr Streeting criticised what he described as a “heavy-handed” leadership style and warned Labour risked losing public trust unless it changed direction. He stopped short of formally launching a leadership bid, though allies say he is preparing the ground for a challenge in the coming days.
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) May 14, 2026
Downing Street has insisted Sir Keir will not resign and remains determined to fight any leadership contest. Supporters of the Prime Minister argue that replacing him less than two years after Labour’s election victory would plunge the party into further instability.
During his time as Health Secretary, Streeting became a controversial figure in debates over trans healthcare and policy. He backed the recommendations of the Cass Review into NHS gender identity services and argued that treatment for children experiencing gender dysphoria should be “evidence-led” and based on clinical safety.
Graham Robson
Under Streeting’s leadership, the Government extended and later made indefinite restrictions on the prescription of puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria, except within clinical trials.
The policy prompted strong criticism from trans campaigners and some LGBTQ+ organisations, who argued the restrictions would worsen access to care for young trans people. Streeting acknowledged that the debate had caused “fear and anxiety” within the trans community, while maintaining that safeguarding children and ensuring robust clinical evidence had to remain the Government’s priority.
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