Healey Criticises Labour Infighting Amid Leadership Tensions
Defence Secretary John Healey has expressed concern over internal Labour Party conflicts, warning that the party’s credibility in government is at risk if the infighting continues. In a speech that appeared to indirectly target figures such as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting, Healey criticised the factionalism within Labour since the May elections.
Healey, a loyal supporter of Keir Starmer and former minister under Gordon Brown, emphasised the seriousness of the current political and global climate. He highlighted ongoing challenges including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and multiple crises affecting British family incomes.
“We must not throw away so lightly the power we were given,”
he said, contrasting his approach with those seeking to replace Starmer as prime minister.
“Politics to me is not about the individual. I don’t much care about photo opportunities or PR firms. People will not forgive us if they think we’re more concerned about ourselves than we are about them,”
Healey stated during his address to the Good Growth Foundation.
“Right now, the very credibility of Labour in government is at stake,”
he added.
“We must get serious. It’s not about us, not about the insiders of politics, it’s about the interests of the country.”
Although Healey did not name individuals explicitly, his remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of prominent Labour figures. Allies described the speech as a firm message urging the party to focus on governance rather than internal disputes.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been seen jogging publicly on at least two occasions since indicating his intention to return to Westminster and potentially run for prime minister. Meanwhile, Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary last week aiming to trigger a leadership contest, citing a lack of vision within the party. However, his leadership bid faltered as it became apparent he had limited chances of success.
Junior Defence Minister Al Carns, a former special forces soldier, has also drawn attention for producing promotional videos, including one featuring him performing pull-ups at a fire station in competition with a firefighter.
Defence Spending and Industry Commitments
Healey highlighted Labour’s record on defence spending, noting it has increased under the party and is projected to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035. He cited Ministry of Defence estimates that more than half a million British workers will be employed in defence firms within the next decade.
“Future military spending would need to work ‘once for national security and once for British industry,’”
Healey explained, setting a new standard for defence investment. He emphasised that defence jobs are skilled, unionised, and offer an average salary of £57,000.
Despite these commitments, Healey did not provide a date for the long-delayed defence investment plan, which remains embroiled in financial disputes with the Treasury. The plan, covering critical military programmes, is currently up to £18 billion over budget.
“Countries that cannot pay their way, cannot defend themselves,”
Healey said, underscoring the necessity of economic growth to fund new armaments. He assured that the investment plan would be published soon but stressed it must be properly financed.
Political Rivalries and Criticisms
Healey also differentiated Labour’s policies from those of its political opponents. He accused the Reform Party of receiving support from “pro-Russian cronies and crypto billionaires,” a likely reference to Christopher Harborne, who stood for Reform in the recent general election.
Simultaneously, Healey criticised the Green Party, which made significant gains at Labour’s expense in inner London during the local elections, accusing them of wanting to “shut down the defence industry.”
