The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is facing intense pressure ahead of this morning's (May 12, 2026) crucial cabinet meeting, as top members of his government call on him to set a departure timetable. According to Sky News, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is among those asking Sir Keir Starmer to announce when he intends to step down. "Some members of his cabinet are telling him that the game is over," the report notes.
Division within the cabinet
At the same time, other ministers—including Steve Reed and Pat McFadden—are expressing their support for the Prime Minister, urging him to stay and continue the fight. Both are considered close allies of Sir Keir. The tension was also evident during Monday's contacts, with Yvette Cooper and John Healey traveling to Downing Street for talks with the Prime Minister. Information suggests that Cooper did not join Mahmood in the request for a clear departure schedule. Meanwhile, David Lammy and Jonathan Reynolds remain by the Prime Minister's side, participating in consultations regarding the next moves.
Resignations and rising internal party pressure
The political crisis intensified following the resignation of four junior ministers on Monday, while the number of Labour MPs calling for Sir Keir's departure has reached 73. Among those who resigned are Joe Morris, an associate of Wes Streeting, and Tom Rutland, an associate of Emma Reynolds, both of whom called on the Prime Minister to announce his exit plan. Naushabah Khan and Melanie Ward maintained a similar stance. Downing Street immediately moved to make replacements as part of a wider reshuffle of advisory positions.
Electoral blow and political realignments
Pressure escalated following last week's electoral failure, where Labour lost nearly 1,500 seats in local councils across England, while the Reform party recorded significant gains for the second consecutive year. In Wales, Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd for the first time, while in Scotland, the SNP maintained its lead despite losses. In both cases, coalitions are required to form majorities.
Unsuccessful attempt at appeasement
In a speech on Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer attempted to respond to his critics, stating that he would prove the "doubters" wrong and has no intention of resigning. However, his intervention failed to stem the pressure. Dozens of MPs signed a letter by former minister Catherine West, asking him to set a resignation date. West herself is reportedly considering a leadership bid, although she is currently focusing on gathering support for a departure by September.
Measures and warnings for the future
During a press conference, the Prime Minister announced measures such as the nationalization of British Steel, a ban on "far-right agitators" entering the country, and a plan to reposition the UK at the core of Europe. At the same time, he warned of a "battle for the soul" of the United Kingdom, emphasizing that a potential Labour failure would lead the country down a "very dark path."
Support amidst sharp reactions
Despite support from some MPs, such as Tim Roca and Michael Payne, who stated that the Prime Minister understands the magnitude of the challenges, others—from different wings of the party—insist on the need for resignation. To trigger a formal leadership challenge, support from at least 20% of Labour MPs is required, amounting to approximately 80 signatures.
Succession scenarios and internal tensions
The name of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is being heard as a potential successor. However, Sir Keir avoided commenting, noting that it is a matter for the party's National Executive Committee (NEC). It is recalled that the NEC had blocked Burnham’s candidacy in a by-election earlier this year, which ultimately went to the Green Party. Simultaneously, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner described the decision to exclude Burnham as wrong, calling for its review, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch strongly criticized Labour for internal strife lacking a clear vision for the future.
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