The crisis has already led to the resignation of three ministers from the Labour Party. Those who resigned include Alex Davies‑Jones, who served as Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls; Jess Phillips, who was responsible for safeguarding children and vulnerable people; and Miatta Fahnbulleh, a minister in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
Their resignations were announced on May 12, 2026, at different times throughout the day. The departures were triggered by tensions within the Labour Party following its recent electoral defeat.
The elections, held on May 7, 2026, across United Kingdom, Scotland, and Wales, were aimed at electing local government leaders.
The Labour Party lost hundreds of seats, including in regions it had traditionally dominated. It was overtaken by Reform UK.
The defeat sparked nationwide unrest within the Labour Party, with Prime Minister Starmer who also leads the party, being urged to resign immediately or announce a timeline for stepping down. Critics accuse him of weak leadership that has damaged public confidence in the party.
Starmer rejected those calls, insisting he has no intention of resigning. In an effort to increase pressure on him, several ministers from his own party have reportedly considered using mass resignations as leverage.
Beyond the three ministers who have already stepped down, the BBC reported that several more resignations could follow.
The broadcaster also stated that more than 80 Labour MPs have called for Starmer to resign.
Starmer could be removed as leader of his party if 20% of Labour MPs equivalent to 81 lawmakers, formally support the move and agree on a successor. Such a development would also cost him the position of Prime Minister.
Among those seen as possible successors are Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham.
Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in 2024 after his party won the general election. He has led the Labour Party since 2020.
