London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed calls to resign on Tuesday, telling ministers he would continue governing despite intensifying pressure after a major election defeat for Labour.
Cabinet meeting and response
Starmer told his cabinet that the previous 48 hours had been “destabilising” and carried “a real economic cost” for the country and families, according to his Downing Street office. He said the country expected the government to “get on with governing” and that this was what he was doing.
Starmer, who has been prime minister for less than two years, repeated that he took responsibility for the defeat but said there had been no official move to trigger a leadership contest.
Market reaction
British government bonds rallied weakly after Starmer’s comments, but remained down on the day.
Pressure within Labour
Starmer’s stance contrasted with sentiment among many in the Labour Party. A junior minister resigned on Tuesday, and several ministerial aides also left the government.
More than 80 Labour lawmakers have publicly called on Starmer to set a resignation date so the party could install a new leader in an orderly manner.
Starmer’s previous remarks
On Monday, Starmer pledged to act more boldly and with greater urgency to tackle Britain’s problems. He said the country would never forgive Labour if it embarked on a leadership challenge two years after its large parliamentary majority was expected to end political chaos following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union 10 years ago.
What do you think the government should prioritise as it faces political instability?
