British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will continue governing and push forward with his reform programme, even as resistance grows within his own parliamentary party following Labour’s heavy losses in last week’s local elections.
Starmer is under pressure from around 90 Labour MPs who have called on him to step down, accusing him of failing to deliver change since securing a sweeping general election victory in 2024. Several junior ministers have resigned in protest, but no formal leadership challenge has yet been launched.
Speculation briefly intensified after a short meeting between Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, viewed by some as a potential challenger. However, Europe Minister Nick Thomas‑Symonds said no alternative candidate appeared to have assembled enough support to trigger a leadership contest, adding that the party now needed to focus on governing.
The prime minister’s resolve will be tested publicly at the State Opening of Parliament, the ceremonial occasion led by King Charles at which the government outlines its priorities for the new parliamentary session.
In a statement, Starmer said Britain faced a clear choice between moving forward with reform or sliding back into instability, stressing that voters expected action on the cost of living, healthcare backlogs and security in a volatile global environment.
More than 35 bills and draft bills are expected to be presented, aimed at strengthening the economy, boosting national security and reforming state institutions. However, uncertainty lingers over whether Starmer will remain in office long enough to implement the agenda, as any successor would not be bound by the plans outlined.
After spending much of Tuesday in private talks at Downing Street to shore up support, Starmer will now face public scrutiny as he takes part in the parliamentary procession and later addresses a debate likely to be used by critics to question his authority.
Just hours before the ceremony, a group of trade unions with close ties to Labour added to the pressure by publicly calling for the prime minister to step aside.
Source: reuters
