The crisis deepened after Labour MP and former minister Catherine West warned that Starmer could face a leadership challenge if he does not step down by Monday.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Saturday, West said she would personally move to trigger a leadership contest if no senior cabinet member acts against Starmer within the deadline. Her comments have intensified political turmoil inside Westminster.
Labour’s poor performance in the local elections has been widely seen as a major victory for Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party. Reform UK won around 1,453 council seats across England, significantly outperforming Labour in many traditional strongholds.
Analysts say Labour’s losses were driven by a combination of economic pressures, the rising cost of living, dissatisfaction among Muslim voters, and various local issues. The defeat has shaken confidence within the party, especially after many experienced Labour councillors lost their seats.
Despite growing criticism, removing Starmer will not be easy. Under Labour Party rules, at least 20 percent of Labour MPs — equivalent to 81 lawmakers — must support a leadership challenge before a formal contest can begin. Reports suggest Catherine West has so far secured support from only a small number of MPs.
Amid the uncertainty, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as a possible successor. Some Labour figures reportedly want Starmer to announce a clear timetable for his resignation to allow an orderly transition. However, Burnham is currently not a Member of Parliament, meaning he would first need to win a parliamentary seat before formally entering a leadership race.
Political observers believe Starmer’s position remains vulnerable, particularly if more heavyweight Labour figures begin resigning or publicly opposing him. In that case, a formal no-confidence challenge within the party could become increasingly likely.
For now, however, Starmer remains defiant. He has insisted he will continue leading Labour and is expected to deliver a major speech on Monday outlining his future plans and political agenda.
The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether Starmer can survive the growing internal rebellion or whether Labour’s mounting political crisis will ultimately force him from power.
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