Keir Starmer faces growing pressure over potential cabinet reshuffle

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Face Cabinet Amid Calls for Resignation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with his cabinet on Tuesday as over 80 Labour MPs have called for him to step down following the party’s local election losses last week. The meeting comes after a number of high-profile resignations, including six ministerial aides who quit on Monday.

Starmer’s chief secretary, MP Darren Jones, stated that the prime minister was discussing his future with colleagues but made it clear that he would not be leaving office. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reportedly advised Starmer to oversee the transition of power, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey also met with him on Monday.

Junior Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh resigned from government on Tuesday, citing a loss of public trust in Starmer’s leadership. In a statement, she urged the prime minister to set a timetable for an orderly transition.

Starmer took responsibility for the local election results in a speech on Monday, stating that Labour would “never be forgiven” for its past actions if it were to continue with frequent leader changes. The party lost over 1,400 seats and power in Wales during the elections, which saw Reform and the Greens make gains.

A leadership contest requires the endorsement of 81 Labour MPs, 20% of the party in the Commons. Potential challengers include Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. However, Rayner’s ability to run is currently hindered by an ongoing investigation into her tax affairs.

In a statement, Rayner called for change within the party, stating that it was a “mistake” to block Burnham from becoming a candidate in the February Gorton and Denton by-election. Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell has accused Streeting of launching a coup against Starmer, citing concerns over a democratic process.

The meeting between Starmer and his cabinet on Tuesday will provide further insight into the party’s leadership situation.

Source: Al Jazeera