More than 60 Labour MPs have demanded UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer step down following the party's disappointing performance in recent local elections. The internal party crisis intensified on Monday as divisions deepened, with some MPs calling for Starmer's immediate resignation and others urging him to announce a clear timeline for departure. Four Labour MPs resigned from their roles as ministerial aides and publicly backed calls for Starmer to quit, marking a significant show of dissent within the party.
Starmer, speaking in London, refused to step down, stating he remains committed to governing and stabilising Labour. He acknowledged mistakes had been made but insisted the government had made the "big political choices right." "We have got things wrong, but we are getting the big decisions right," he said.
Pressure is mounting from senior party figures. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, "what we are doing isn't working," highlighting growing unease among Labour leadership. Criticism has also emerged over internal party decisions, including the blocking of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as an MP, which some now say was a misstep.
Labour backbench MP Catherine West, who previously supported a leadership challenge, has withdrawn that call but urged Starmer to set a departure date by September.
Keir Starmer insists he is making the "big decisions right" while over 60 of his own MPs demand he resign, exposing a leadership losing internal credibility. His refusal to step aside clashes with growing calls from Labour figures like Angela Rayner and Catherine West for a clear exit plan. Four ministerial aides have already quit in protest, weakening his authority. If his own party no longer trusts his timing, his claim of stability rings hollow.
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