UK responds to growing rumors over Starmer resignation — Sky News
Keir Starmer (photo: Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will remain in office at least until the start of Parliament's summer holidays, despite media speculation about a possible change in Labor Party leadership, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says.
Government position, internal procedures
According to Secretary Nandy, numerous media reports about other officials — including Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham, and Angela Rayner — preparing to challenge the current prime minister are "froth and nonsense."
She stressed that the Cabinet is calling for unity in order to deliver on promises made to voters.
"I've spoken to the prime minister several times over the last week, and he was very clear with the cabinet on Tuesday that if people want to challenge him, there is a process for doing that. There is a way to trigger a leadership contest, to be leader of the Labour Party and to succeed him as prime minister. Nobody has done that yet," the secretary emphasized.
She also added that the constant change of political leaders only harms the country, as Government work effectively grinds to a halt during internal disputes.
At the same time, Nandy noted that the decision on whether to continue fighting for the position would ultimately depend on Starmer, lawmakers, and the British public.
UK Government faces crisis
In May 2026, after the Labor Party suffered a crushing defeat in local elections, the domestic political situation surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer escalated significantly.
At the time, the head of the Government officially took responsibility for the electoral failure but categorically refused to resign voluntarily and vowed to fight to keep his position.
Meanwhile, pressure within the Government continued to rise rapidly. A number of senior Cabinet officials, including Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, took a joint position and began calling for Starmer's resignation over the poor election results and falling government bond prices.
The political crisis later escalated into open confrontation when former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting officially challenged Starmer and announced plans to run for Labor Party leader if an internal party election is called.
