British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced growing pressure to resign Tuesday after four junior ministers quit and more than 80 Labour lawmakers urged him to set a timetable for his departure.
Three of the ministers called for a leadership transition in their resignation letters, joining MPs demanding clarity on Starmer’s future following Labour’s heavy local election losses.
British media reported that several cabinet members privately advised Starmer to outline his exit plans Monday night. But after a cabinet meeting Tuesday, senior ministers including Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Science Secretary Liz Kendall publicly backed him.
Starmer told colleagues he intended to “get on with governing” and noted that Labour’s formal process for challenging a leader had not been triggered. “I take responsibility for these election results, and I take responsibility for delivering the change we promised,” he said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also voiced support, saying Starmer was elected for a five‑year term and urging Labour MPs to “step back” and stay united.
Around 110 Labour MPs have reportedly signed a statement opposing a leadership contest. The latest turmoil follows earlier criticism over Starmer’s appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States and Labour’s losses of nearly 1,500 council seats in England.