In a dramatic escalation of internal party unrest, more than 55 Labour MPs have publicly called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as party leader and Prime Minister. The wave of resignations and demands follows devastating local election results that saw Labour lose over 1,400 councillors and its grip on power in Wales.
Ministerial Aides Resign
The crisis deepened as Joe Morris and Tom Rutland, the latter serving as ministerial aide to the Environment Secretary, both resigned from their positions. Rutland explicitly stated that he no longer has confidence in the Prime Minister to counter the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. In his resignation letter, Rutland wrote: 'It is with regret that I believe the Prime Minister should now set out a timetable for his departure and for a new Leader to be chosen to lead the Labour Party and the country.' He added: 'I watched brilliant councillors lose their seats last week through no fault of their own. Time and time again, speaking with voters at their doors, I heard little dislike for local councillors nor for the Labour Party, but the animosity towards the Prime Minister was clear from every voter who was choosing to vote for another party or considering doing so. It reminded me of the reaction I got when speaking with voters under a former leader.'
Starmer's Defiant Response
In a speech aimed at resetting his leadership, Starmer acknowledged the scale of the defeat but vowed to remain in office. He said: 'The election results last week were tough. Very tough. That hurts and it should hurt. I get it. I feel it. I take responsibility.' He also warned against internal chaos, stating: 'A Labour government would never be forgiven for inflicting that on our country again.' However, he admitted that voters may not believe Labour cares about their lives, saying: 'Truth be told, I am not sure they believe that we care. I am not sure they believe that we see their lives.'
Reform UK's Gains
Starmer also launched a fierce attack on Nigel Farage, calling him 'not just a grifter but a chancer' after Reform UK secured over 1,400 new councillors in the local elections. The surge in support for the right-wing party has added pressure on Labour to address voter discontent.
Backbench Revolt
The Prime Minister's speech failed to stem the tide of dissent. Moderate backbencher David Smith immediately called for Starmer to set out a timetable for leaving office. Other MPs echoed this demand. However, David Pinto-Duschinsky, Labour MP for Hendon, defended the leader, telling Sky News that the Prime Minister was 'rising to the occasion'.
What Next?
With over 55 MPs now publicly opposing his leadership, Sir Keir Starmer faces an uncertain future. The growing rebellion suggests that a formal leadership contest may be imminent, with potential candidates already being discussed. The Labour Party is now at a crossroads, grappling with internal divisions and a resurgent Reform UK ahead of the next general election.
