Stuart Bonathan

Exc with @patrickkmaguire: Wes Streeting has told allies that he is preparing to resign and trigger a leadership contest as soon as tomorrow. The health secretary confronted Sir Keir Starmer this morning during a meeting ahead of the King’s Speech that lasted just 16 minutes over the turmoil engulfing the Labour Party. Allies of Streeting who have spoken to him directly said that he has made clear that he is “going to go for it”. They said that he is likely to resign on Thursday and mount a formal challenge for the leadership One Streeting ally who has spoken to him said: “He is going to go for it. He’s going tomorrow.” Discussions have also been held to prepare for MPs to sign Streeting’s nomination papers, according to one of those with knowledge of the plans. Another who has spoken to him said that claims by Starmer’s allies that he has “bottled it” are wide of the mark and that he made clear in private that he will make a bid for the leadership. A third senior source organising for Streeting said: “If they [Starmer’s supporters] think this is over, they’re going to be disappointed. I’m expecting a move before the end of the week.” A spokesman for Streeting said: “Wes is the Health Secretary, he is proud of his record of falling waiting lists and a recovering NHS. He is not planning to say anything following his meeting with the Prime Minister that might distract from the King’s Speech.”