Pressure mounts on UK PM Keir Starmer for resignation after local election setback

LONDON – The political pressure has mounted on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a poor showing by the ruling Labour Party in recent local elections, with renewed calls for his resignation and reports of internal dissent within the government. British media reported that four cabinet members have resigned in protest, while more than 80 Labour Members of Parliament have reportedly demanded that Starmer step down immediately or announce a timeline for his departure. The developments come amid increasing scrutiny of the Labour Party’s performance in the local elections, which British media have described as a significant political setback, intensifying debate over Starmer’s leadership. At the same time, over 100 Labour MPs have come out in support of the prime minister, underscoring growing divisions within the party over its leadership and direction. The reports also suggest that initiating a formal leadership challenge within the Labour Party would require backing from at least 81 MPs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected demands for his resignation, accepting responsibility for the party’s electoral setbacks but stressing that established internal procedures exist for any leadership change. Addressing his cabinet, he said the government’s priority remains governance and delivering on public expectations. UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has publicly backed Starmer, stating that the prime minister continues to have his full support and that there is currently insufficient parliamentary backing for any leadership challenge. Pentagon raises cost estimate of Iran war to $29 billion