Which Ministers Have Resigned Amid Calls For Starmer To Quit?

A growing list of ministers have resigned from government and urged Keir Starmer to quit as discontent towards the prime minister grows.

Labour is in turmoil after voters gave the party a beating at the elections in England, Wales and Scotland last week.

More than 80 MPs have publicly called for the prime minister to resign as a result – along with multiple ministers.

None of his rivals have publicly challenged Starmer yet and 20% of the Parliamentary Labour Party (81 MPs) need to rally behind one replacement candidate to formally trigger a leadership contest.

However, ministerial resignations make it much harder for the PM to run a government as it undermines his authority.

Cabinet ministers have reportedly been urging the PM to resign behind the scenes, too.

Even so, Starmer has dug in so far and has insisted he is getting on with the job of governing.

Here’s a breakdown of all the ministerial resignations so far…

The junior minister for devolution, faith and communities, Fahnbulleh was the first minister out the block on Tuesday.

In a letter to the prime minister shared on social media, she said: “We have not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us. Nor have we governed as Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions.”

She added: “Therefore I urge you to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition so that a new team can deliver the change we promised the country.”

According to the BBC, she has already backed Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to take over No.10 – even though he needs to win a seat in parliament first.

Phillips quit as safeguarding minister with a brutal letter of resignation to Starmer.

An ally to Wes Streeting, the health secretary widely expected to challenge Starmer, she wrote: “I think you are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things however I have seen first-hand how that is not enough.

“The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed.”

She continued: “Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It’s true they are precious.

“Every Labour government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better. I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter.

“I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.”

She added: “Politics is as much about feelings as policy, especially at the moment.

“I want a Labour government to work and I will strive as I always have for its success and popularity, but I’m not seeing the change I think I, and the country expect, and so cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership.”

The minister for victims and violence against women and girls handed in her resignation letter on Tuesday afternoon.

Davies-Jones said the scale of losses in the Senedd and across the UK have been “catastrophic”.

“The country has spoken and we must listen,” she said. “We waited fourteen years to get into power and change the lives of those we represent.

“The time now is for bold, radical action. I know you to be a good and honest man. But in my heart are my constituents, the victims I have had the honour of working with every day, including the Hillsborough victims and their families, and all those who demand better of us.

“I implore you to act in the country’s interest and set out a timetable for your departure.”

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