Wes Streeting: Leeds bereaved families fear 'uncertainty' over maternity inquiry after Health Secretary resigns

The bereaved families, who tragically lost babies in the Leeds maternity scandal, have raised concerns over the “uncertainty” into the public inquiry following Wes Streeting’s dramatic resignation from Cabinet.

Mr Streeting quit as Health Secretary this morning, criticising “drift” at the top of Government and told the Prime Minister it is “clear” he will not lead Labour into the next election.

He did not openly declare a leadership challenge in his resignation letter, instead saying there should be “the best possible field of candidates” to replace Sir Keir.

Last October, after a meeting with grieving parents, Mr Streeting announced a public inquiry into failings in maternal and neonatal care in Leeds as Health Secretary.

A BBC investigation revealed the deaths of at least 56 babies and two mothers over the past five years may have been prevented, while legal firm Irwin Mitchell is representing more than 30 families in action against the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

After extensive lobbying from bereaved families, Mr Streeting eventually appointed senior midwife Donna Ockenden as chair in March.

However, his resignation now leaves a void at the top of the Department for Health and Social Care.

At the time this paper went to print, no one had been appointed to replace him.

In a statement, the Leeds Maternity Families Group said Mr Streeting’s “decision to step down brings a lot of uncertainty”.

It said the families hope that “commitments to maternity safety … become a priority for the newly appointed Health Secretary”.

“Families in Leeds and beyond now have concerns about how a new Secretary of State would fully grasp the severity of the issues that have been directly raised with Wes Streeting,” the statement added.

“There is a fear that the momentum that led to the Leeds review could be disrupted, and whether families will once again have to spend months rebuilding relationships, and re-living traumatic experiences.”

A DHSC spokesperson said: “The Government remains committed to improving maternity safety and the Ockenden review will set out the changes needed to ensure services are safe and equitable for every family.

“The voices of those who have been harmed or bereaved will always be central to this work.”

Mr Streeting’s resignation followed days of turmoil in which calls have mounted for the Prime Minister to step down in the wake of Labour’s election mauling last week.

Around 100 Labour MPs, including more than a dozen from Yorkshire, have called for Sir Keir to stand aside, however the Prime Minister has dug in.

Several ministers, the most notable being Jess Phillips, have resigned, however Mr Streeting is the first Cabinet minister to call on Sir Keir to go.

It could fire the gun on a leadership contest in which Angela Rayner has also indicated she could run, with other possible contenders including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, armed forces minister Al Carns and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Ms Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, announced this morning that she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in an investigation over her tax affairs, paving the way for a potential leadership bid.

Meanwhile Josh Simons, the Labour MP representing the Makerfield constituency in Wigan, said he was standing down to allow the Greater Manchester Mayor to try and return to the House of Commons and challenge Sir Keir.

Mr Simons claimed it was the “hardest decision of my life”, but said: “I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield.

“I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had previously told The Yorkshire Post that Mr Burnham should be allowed to stand.

She said: “He’s very talented, we’re friends, we work together, he’s got a lot to offer and I don’t think he should be blocked. I think he should have that opportunity if he wishes.”