UK PM Political Crisis Highlights: British Health Secy Wes Streeting likely to launch leadership bid today to unseat PM Starmer
Speaking in the Commons ahead of his meetings with the ministers and MPs, Starmer promised reforms to areas including health, housing and immigration. (AP Photo)
UK PM Political Crisis Highlights: British Health Secretary Wes Streeting is planning to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer by launching a leadership bid on Thursday, even as Starmer warns his ministers and MPs that a Labour leadership contest could result in “chaos.” BBC reported that Streeting would need the support of 81 MPs to trigger a leadership contest under the Labour Party’s rules.
A day earlier, King Charles III presented the UK government’s legislative program to Parliament, amid Starmer’s efforts to retain his position as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Starmer has been urged to set a timetable for his departure by over a fifth of the Labour Party’s lawmakers in the House of Commons, the Associated Press reported.
The political crisis reportedly triggered by the latest arrival of local and regional election results has put the UK Prime Minister and the ruling Labour Party in a difficult position. The Labour party has lost hundreds of council seats, while the right-wing Reform UK made significant gains. The setback shocked many, with claims that the party was losing support among both conservatives and liberal voters amid the rise of Farage’s anti-immigration Reform movement.
Following the electoral defeat, reports claimed that more than 80 Labour ministers had urged Starmer to resign, either publicly or privately. Several cabinet ministers also resigned amid mounting pressure. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, Miatta fahnbulleh, Alex Davies-Jones, and Zubir Ahmed are among the ministers who have stepped down from their positions. Additionally, several Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPS) have also resigned from their ministerial aide roles. Jess Philips, while resigning, allegedly accused the Starmer government of lacking urgency and avoiding difficult political battles.
Key developments so far:
- The Labour party suffered major losses across England, Scotland and Wales, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK continued to gain popularity
- The Labour Party now reportedly fears losing votes among working-class voters, many of whom are believed to be shifting towards anti-immigration sentiment amid weak economic growth.
- Reports suggest that more than 80 MPs have called for Keir Starmer to resign as Prime Minister amid growing political pressure.
- Starmer has confirmed that he will not resign from his post.
- Four cabinet ministers have resigned so far.
- King Charles presents the government’s legislative program today amid the growing uncertainty.