British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense political pressure as senior ministers and dozens of Labour lawmakers demand clarity on whether he intends to remain in office.
The pressure intensified on Tuesday as reports emerged of resignations among ministerial aides and growing frustration inside the Labour Party after recent electoral setbacks.
The situation follows Labour’s poor performance in last week’s local elections, widely seen as a major blow to the party’s momentum since returning to power.
Starmer was expected to meet cabinet colleagues to discuss the crisis and chart a way forward as internal divisions widened.
Reports in UK media say senior figures, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, have called for him to set a timeline for departure.
Nearly 80 Labour MPs are also said to support the idea of an exit plan, which could trigger a formal leadership contest.
Senior minister Darren Jones said discussions were ongoing.
“He’s listening to colleagues, and he’s talking to colleagues. I can’t get ahead of any decision he may or may not take,” Jones told Times Radio.
Rising Internal Tensions Inside Labour Party
The political pressure comes ahead of Wednesday’s State Opening of Parliament, where King Charles III is expected to outline the government’s legislative agenda.
Starmer, who became UK Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide return, warned colleagues earlier that another leadership crisis would damage public trust.
However, calls for change have continued to grow, adding uncertainty to financial markets and increasing government borrowing concerns.
Inside Labour, attention has now turned to possible successors. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as a leading contender, with strong backing from party moderates.
Angela Rayner also remains a key figure on the party’s left, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham continues to attract support despite being outside Parliament.
Other names, including Yvette Cooper, John Healey, and Ed Miliband, have also been mentioned as potential caretaker or interim leaders.
Starmer now faces a defining political test as divisions deepen within Labour less than two years after taking power.
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