Keir Starmer remains the UK's prime minister despite a dramatic two days that have seen his authority severely undermined. With almost a quarter of his MPs calling for his resignation and several ministers stepping down, the Labour leader faces an uncertain future as the state opening of parliament approaches.
How Starmer Lost Control
The crisis began after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections across England, Scotland, and Wales last Thursday. A Monday speech intended as a reset failed to impress, and since then, the rebellion has grown. Catherine West, a backbench MP, attempted to trigger a leadership challenge but her efforts fizzled out by Monday.
Ministerial resignations followed, including Jess Phillips, who condemned Starmer as too weak to implement real change. However, no clear successor has emerged, with potential candidates like Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Andy Burnham yet to make a move.
Cabinet Meeting Tensions
At Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Starmer defiantly stated that the party's leadership challenge process had not been triggered. He urged ministers to focus on governing, but the atmosphere was tense. Some ministers, including Yvette Cooper and Shabana Mahmood, reportedly told Starmer he should step aside.
Despite the turmoil, the King's speech will proceed as planned on Wednesday, with King Charles III outlining the government's legislative agenda. Critics have called the event a 'lame-duck' spectacle.
Divided Party
The Labour party remains deeply split. Over 90 backbenchers have signed a letter calling for Starmer's departure, while more than 100 MPs insist a leadership race would be damaging. Among those seeking change, there is disagreement over timing, with Burnham supporters urging delay and Streeting allies pushing for an early move.
Starmer is the UK's sixth prime minister in under a decade, and many wonder if a seventh is imminent. As one MP put it, 'He is so bad we can't wait. Every month people are harder to win back.' The coming days will test whether the country is truly ungovernable, as some have suggested.
