Pressure for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Resign Intensifies After Labour Party Defeat

Pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is intensifying after more than 60 Labour Party MPs reportedly urged him to resign from his position as party leader and head of government. According to CNA on Tuesday (12/5), the calls emerged following the Labour Party’s poor results in local and regional elections in England last week. Several MPs assessed that Starmer has lost public trust and authority within the party. “It is now clear that the Prime Minister no longer has public confidence to lead change,” wrote Joe Morris, former aide to the UK Health Secretary, on social media platform X. Tom Rutland, former aide to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, also stated that Starmer has “lost authority” among Labour MPs and it will be difficult to regain it. Four government officials even chose to resign from their positions as a form of protest against Starmer’s leadership. In his speech on Monday (11/5), Starmer acknowledged public disappointment with the state of England and his leadership. However, he affirmed that he will not resign. “I know there are those who doubt me, and I know I must prove them wrong, and I will do so,” said Starmer. The 63-year-old Labour leader promised to deliver greater change, particularly in economic growth, relations with Europe, and the energy sector. He also stated he will fully nationalise British Steel and assessed that Brexit has made the UK poorer, weaker, and less secure. Starmer also attacked Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, calling him an opportunistic politician who misled the public through pro-Brexit campaigns. “If we fail to fix this situation, our country will enter a very dark path,” said Starmer. The Labour Party suffered significant setbacks in the local and regional elections. The right-wing Reform UK party and the Green Party gained increased votes by taking support bases from Labour. Additionally, Labour lost control of the Welsh parliament for the first time since its establishment in 1999. In Scotland, the party also failed to challenge the dominance of the Scottish National Party (SNP). This situation has given rise to speculation about the possibility of a leadership change within the Labour Party. Names such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner are mentioned as potential challengers to Starmer. However, both are assessed as not yet having full support within the party. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also considered a potential candidate, though he currently holds no parliamentary seat and thus cannot yet contest for leadership. Amid this political pressure, Starmer is scheduled to outline the government’s legislative agenda in the King’s Speech on Wednesday. (CNA/B-3)