Labour rebellion mounts as over 60 MPs demand Starmer’s resignation following election losses and government aide departures
More than 60 Labour MPs have called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, intensifying a revolt that includes recent resignations from four junior government members.This internal dispute marks a significant challenge for a sitting British prime minister in many years.
Internal Labour crisis
Starmer attempted to address concerns with a speech aimed at reorienting the party’s direction, advocating for closer ties with the European Union.
He recognised the recent local election results were disappointing and accepted personal responsibility, yet insisted he would remain in his role.
Catherine West, a Labour MP, delayed plans to challenge Starmer but instead requested a timeline for his exit by September.
She indicated that Starmer has not managed to create optimism among the party’s members.
Labour’s constitution requires 81 MPs to support a leadership challenge, and while current rebel numbers are rising, they remain below this threshold.
The rebellion reflects both the left and right factions of the party, signalling broad dissatisfaction.
Starmer is facing criticism following Labour’s poor showing in local elections, where over 1,000 council seats were lost, and a decline in Wales marked the end of a lengthy Labour governance.
Dave Ward of the Communication Workers Union expressed doubt that Starmer can continue as prime minister under these circumstances.
With the King’s Speech approaching, Starmer is under pressure to reassert his leadership.
Starmer said he took responsibility for Labour’s worst local election results in decades and promised a ‘big leap’ toward closer EU ties and legislation to fully nationalize British Steel, as rebels in his party threatened a leadership contest https://t.co/DZzmY5Qkgd pic.twitter.com/3xpHa7aO5k
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 11, 2026
Leadership challenge imminent
An increase in public dissent might quickly reach the threshold necessary for a formal leadership challenge.
Starmer’s recent appointments of Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman as advisors suggest attempts to stabilise his leadership amid the crisis.
The upcoming period could be decisive for Starmer’s future in the party.
