British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned Labour ministers and MPs that any attempt to remove him from office could throw the government into “chaos”, as pressure continues to mount inside his party.
Facing growing criticism and resignation calls from several Labour lawmakers, Starmer used meetings in Parliament to defend his leadership and present what he described as a “radical” programme aimed at transforming the country.
The prime minister promised major reforms in areas including healthcare, housing and immigration, insisting his government was prepared to challenge policies that had failed working people for years.
His comments came shortly after the presentation of the government’s legislative programme during the King’s Speech delivered by Charles III in Parliament.
Among the proposals announced were plans to abolish NHS England, introduce digital identity systems, reform leasehold property rules, strengthen rail infrastructure in northern England and deepen economic ties with the European Union.
Starmer described the programme as an agenda for “radical reform” designed to shift power towards workers, renters and disadvantaged communities.
However, the speech did little to calm tensions within the Labour Party.
More than 80 Labour MPs are reportedly demanding that Starmer either resign immediately or announce a timetable for his departure. The crisis deepened after four ministers resigned from government positions.
Attention is now focused on Wes Streeting, who is widely believed to be considering a leadership challenge against Starmer.
According to reports, Streeting met privately with the prime minister at Downing Street on Wednesday amid intense speculation over his political intentions. Allies of the health secretary reportedly expect him to launch a leadership bid soon.
Under Labour Party rules, Streeting would require the support of at least 81 MPs to formally trigger a leadership contest.
During private meetings with ministers and MPs, Starmer warned that a leadership battle would paralyse the government and prevent Labour from delivering its agenda.
Some ministers reportedly urged the prime minister to adopt a more aggressive and reform-driven style of government in order to reconnect with frustrated voters.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Kemi Badenoch sharply criticised Labour’s record during debates in Parliament, claiming Starmer was “in office, but not in power”.
Badenoch also mocked Streeting’s alleged leadership ambitions during the Commons debate, highlighting the growing divisions inside the governing party.
Speculation has also surrounded Andy Burnham, who is seen by some Labour MPs as a possible future leader. However, Burnham is not currently a member of Parliament, making any immediate leadership bid more complicated.
Despite mounting pressure, Starmer continues to insist his government remains focused on delivering reforms and avoiding internal divisions that could weaken Labour’s position in power.
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