UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday insisted he would continue governing despite mounting calls from Labour ministers and lawmakers for his resignation following the party’s poor local election performance.
Addressing cabinet ministers during a high-level meeting, Starmer said Labour’s internal process for challenging a leader had not been triggered and stressed that his government remained focused on delivering for the country.
“The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet,” Starmer said.
Pressure on the prime minister has intensified after Labour suffered major losses in recent local elections, losing hundreds of council seats to Reform UK and the Green Party, while also suffering setbacks in Wales and Scotland.
More than 70 Labour MPs have reportedly called on Starmer either to resign immediately or set out a timetable for his departure.
The crisis deepened on Tuesday when junior minister Miatta Fahnbulleh resigned, becoming the first government official to publicly demand an orderly leadership transition.
According to British media reports, senior cabinet figures including Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and Yvette Cooper have also discussed Starmer’s position with him privately.
The prime minister has faced growing criticism in recent months over sluggish economic growth, rising living costs, and controversy surrounding the appointment and later dismissal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington.
Despite the pressure, several senior ministers rallied behind Starmer. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said he retained her “full support,” while Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle praised his leadership.
Under Labour Party rules, any leadership challenger would need backing from at least 81 Labour MPs to formally trigger a contest.
Potential successors frequently mentioned in political circles include Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, though both remain divisive figures within the party.
