UK PM Starmer Faces Growing Calls to Resign

May 12, 2026

70 min

May 12, 2026 12:31

UK PM Starmer defiant as quit calls grow

## Mounting Pressure on Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to resign after Labour's poor performance in recent elections. Over 70 Labour MPs have urged him to step down, following significant losses to the Reform UK party and the Greens. The party also lost its long-standing influence in Wales and suffered defeats in Scotland.

## Internal Party Tensions

The situation escalated when Miatta Fahnbulleh, a junior minister, resigned, calling for Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood and other senior figures have also advised him to reconsider his position. Despite this, Starmer remains defiant, insisting that he will continue to govern and challenge any leadership contenders.

## Leadership Challenges

Under Labour's rules, a leadership challenge requires the backing of 81 MPs. While some potential successors, like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner, are rumored to be considering a bid, they face their own challenges within the party. Andy Burnham, another potential contender, cannot currently run as he lacks a parliamentary seat.

## Support and Criticism

Despite the turmoil, some cabinet members, including Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, have expressed their support for Starmer. However, the prime minister's previous decisions, such as appointing and then dismissing Peter Mandelson, have added to the controversies surrounding his leadership. Starmer's inability to deliver on economic promises has further fueled dissatisfaction among voters and MPs alike.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents