Sir Keir Starmer has refused to resign and dared Labour rebels to trigger a leadership contest if they want him out. In a statement to senior government ministers on Tuesday, the Prime Minister took responsibility for the local election results but insisted he would not step down.
Starmer's Defiance
Speaking to his Cabinet, Starmer said: “As I said yesterday, I take responsibility for these election results and I take responsibility for delivering the change we promised. The past 48 hours have been destabilising for the government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families. The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered. The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a Cabinet.”
His remarks came despite reports that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and other ministers have called for him to quit, along with over 80 Labour MPs. Miatta Fahnbulleh became the first minister to resign in protest, leaving her post in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Cabinet Unity Display
In a highly unusual turn of events, several ministers spoke to the media after the Cabinet meeting. Housing Secretary Steve Reed gave a short statement confirming that a leadership contest had not been triggered and that the government would continue under Starmer’s leadership. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Business Secretary Peter Kyle, and Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden also addressed journalists in Downing Street.
McFadden told reporters that no minister challenged the Prime Minister’s leadership around the table. Kendall said Starmer was “working hard on the big issues that are facing the country,” while Kyle added that “Keir is showing real steadfast leadership.”
Economic Impact
Gilt yields dropped slightly after the media appearances by senior ministers, though they have risen significantly over the last week due to mounting leadership speculation. The political instability has raised concerns about the government’s ability to focus on economic recovery.
Potential Challengers
All eyes are now on whether Health Secretary Wes Streeting will launch a leadership bid against Starmer by securing the support of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a contest. Some of Streeting’s allies, including Labour Growth Group head Chris Curtis and Jas Athwal, MP for Ilford South, were among those calling for Starmer to resign.
Questions also remain over whether Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham might return to Westminster and how influential Labour figure Angela Rayner will act amid the political turmoil.
