New Delhi, May 12: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a serious rebellion within the ruling Labour Party after the party’s poor performance in recently concluded local elections triggered widespread anger among MPs and senior ministers.
More than 80 Labour parliamentarians, along with several senior cabinet members — including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy — have reportedly urged Starmer to consider stepping down or announce a timetable for his departure. Senior government figures, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, are also said to have joined the growing internal revolt.
The rebellion intensified after Labour suffered heavy losses in local councils across England and Wales, with several traditional strongholds falling to rival parties. The disappointing results have raised serious questions within the party about Starmer’s leadership and Labour’s future electoral prospects.
The growing dissent has exposed deep divisions inside Labour, with critics accusing Starmer of failing to connect with voters and lacking a clear political vision.
Despite mounting pressure, the Prime Minister has so far refused to resign, insisting that he will continue to lead the government and rebuild public confidence.
The unrest has also sparked speculation about a possible leadership challenge in the coming weeks.
Adding to the turmoil, four ministers and aides resigned from government positions.
Among them were Chris Curtis, MPs Josh Simons and Jas Athwal, along with ministerial aides Sally Jamieson, Melanie Ward, Mr Rutland and Mr Morris.
Starmer had hoped to calm the growing rebellion by acknowledging voter anger following Labour’s election setbacks across England, Scotland and Wales.
“That hurts and it should hurt,” Starmer said. “I get it. I feel it. And I take responsibility.”
However, his remarks have done little to silence critics within the party, as pressure continues to mount on his leadership.
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