Wes Streeting

And also, it would have been a source of simmering resentment and illegitimacy.

So, yes...

I put the best interests of the party and the best possible contest first.

Because ultimately, if you back yourself and if you believe you're the right person with the right ideas, you shouldn't fear a contest.

I don't fear a contest and I don't fear Andy.

But I think that's a conversation to be had.

not just with Andy, but with other people who might have an interest too.

I think we've got to behave.

And how we deal with what is unquestionably a difficult situation for the Labour Party, how we conduct ourselves as individuals and collectively matters, because it's not just a change of leadership and direction we need, it's a change of culture.

And I want to move away from some of the toxicity and

and petty personality politics and petty factionalism that has ground us down for far too long.

Would you like to see Keir Starmer in that contest?

One thing I'd say, I don't have confidence in Keir Starmer continuing as Prime Minister, so I don't think he should put himself forward.

But let me say this...

I do think that if Keir Starmer is determined to stay on, then he should give all of his ministers the freedom to nominate the person they think is best without resigning from government.

That wouldn't be usual because if you're not supporting the Prime Minister, you have to leave the government.

That's why I've left.

But if he genuinely thinks he's got the support of all of his ministers, let's put that to the test.

Because I know that so many ministers have said directly to him and through their whips in the proper way.

I think the prime minister's time up is he shouldn't carry on.