KABUL: Political pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has intensified following the Labour Party’s heavy losses in local council elections, with dozens of party members and several cabinet ministers reportedly calling for his resignation.
The Guardian reported on Monday night that Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, and Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, urged Starmer to oversee an orderly transition of power.
Meanwhile, 70 of Labour’s 403 members of parliament have also called on the prime minister to step down, saying they are no longer convinced he is capable of leading the country through to the next general election.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer said in a speech that he would not resign and would confront any political challenge.
“I know some people are unhappy with the state of the country and with politics, and some are unhappy with me as well,” Starmer said. “I know I have to prove my critics wrong, and I will do so.”
The British prime minister stressed that he would not allow the country to descend into chaos.
Political turmoil in the United Kingdom escalated after the ruling Labour Party, nearly two years into government, suffered a major defeat in local council elections held several days ago.