British prime minister Keir Starmer took responsibility on 11/5 in London for the Labour Party's significant defeats in local elections across England and parliamentary elections in Wales and Scotland last week. "The previous government constantly changed leaders, creating chaos that cost the country dearly. The Labour Party will never be forgiven if it causes that again", Starmer stated. Despite his pledge to remain in power, strengthen the party, and appease disgruntled voters, internal dissent quickly emerged.

British prime minister Keir Starmer speaking in London on 5/5. *Photo: AFP*

Following these results, more than 70 Labour MPs publicly called for Starmer to resign or outline a clear timeline for his departure. According to internal party rules, a leadership election can be triggered if any candidate secures the backing of 81 Labour MPs, which represents 20% of the party's seats in parliament.

Angela Rayner, who resigned as deputy prime minister in 2025 due to a scandal involving incorrect personal property tax declarations, is seen as a potential successor to Starmer. British media reports indicate that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and several cabinet members have urged prime minister Starmer to consider announcing a departure roadmap. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need for an orderly transfer of power, a sentiment echoed by Deputy prime minister David Lammy.

Four assistant ministers have already resigned, asserting their belief that prime minister Starmer is not the appropriate leader for the Labour Party in the 2029 general election. They aim to initiate a Labour Party leadership contest, expected to span several weeks. Should Starmer step down or be removed, his successor would become Britain's 7th prime minister within a decade.

A polling station during local elections in Walton-on-the-Naze, England, on 7/5. *Photo: AFP*

Starmer, 63, assumed office in 7/2024, decisively defeating opponent Rishi Sunak and ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. His tenure has been marked by a lack of economic growth to alleviate cost-of-living pressures for British citizens. While praised for his firm stance against US president Donald Trump on the Iran issue, Starmer recently faced a scandal regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson, who had ties to pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the US.

These combined factors contributed to a severe blow for the Labour Party. The party lost over 1,400 seats on local councils in England and relinquished control of the Welsh parliament, where Labour had been the largest party for decades. Meanwhile, the right-wing Reform UK party and the left-wing populist Green Party both made significant gains.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)