UK leader Starmer fights to save premiership as scores of Labour lawmakers urge him to resign
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense pressure to resign after Labour's poor performance in recent local elections, with over 70 Labour MPs publicly calling for his departure or a resignation timetable.
- Starmer acknowledged responsibility for the losses but vowed to remain in office, warning that a leadership change would lead to political chaos similar to that under previous Conservative governments.
- Labour lost more than 1,400 council seats and control of the Welsh parliament, shaking confidence in Starmer's ability to win the next general election due by 2029.
- Despite calls for change, Labour has never officially challenged a sitting prime minister before, and potential challengers like Angela Rayner have yet to formally announce leadership bids.
- Starmer promised a "big leap forward" in relations with the European Union but was criticized by many Labour MPs for lacking ambition and a clear political vision, with some cabinet members reportedly urging him to set a resignation timetable ahead of a key meeting.