UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer under pressure after Labour election losses
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of the biggest political crises of his leadership after Labour suffered major losses in local elections, sparking calls from within his own party for him to resign, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
Dozens of Labour lawmakers are reportedly demanding that Starmer either step down immediately or announce a timetable for his departure. Under Labour Party rules, a formal leadership contest could begin if one-fifth of Labour lawmakers back a challenger, though no official challenge has yet been launched.
Despite the growing pressure, Starmer insisted he would remain in office.
“The country expects us to get on with governing,” Starmer told Cabinet ministers on Tuesday. “That is what I am doing and what we must do.”
The political turmoil deepened after several ministers resigned from Starmer’s government. Junior health minister Zubir Ahmed accused the prime minister of losing the trust of voters, saying the public had “irretrievably lost confidence” in him.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips also resigned, writing that “deeds, not words are what matter.” Housing Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh stepped down as well, urging Starmer “to do the right thing for the country.”
At the same time, several senior ministers publicly backed the prime minister. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Starmer had his “full support” and warned party members against creating further instability.
"No one seems to have the names to stand up against Keir Starmer."
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 12, 2026
Deputy prime minister David Lammy says the PM has his 'full support', as he urges MPs to 'step back' and 'not benefit Nigel Farage and Reform'.https://t.co/sRJSLwyvO6
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Speculation is now mounting over possible successors if Starmer is eventually forced out. Among the names being discussed are Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Kazakhstan-born Sanzhar (San) Abishev had won a local election to the Westminster City Council in the United Kingdom. Running as a Conservative Party candidate in the St James’s ward, he secured 974 votes.
