Keir Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis Amid Calls for Resignation
Published 9 February 2026
Highlights
- Keir Starmer faces calls for resignation but retains cabinet support amid political turmoil.
- Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, publicly calls for Starmer's resignation, prompting a wave of cabinet backing for Starmer.
- Starmer pledges to reform his Downing Street operation and remains committed to his mandate.
- Resignations of key staff, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, add to the leadership crisis.
- Starmer's leadership remains under scrutiny as Labour faces upcoming electoral challenges.
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Rewritten Article
Keir Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis Amid Calls for Resignation
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is navigating a significant leadership crisis as calls for his resignation intensify. Despite the turbulence, Starmer has managed to secure the backing of his cabinet, reinforcing his resolve to continue leading the party through challenging times.
Cabinet Support Amidst Turmoil
The political landscape became increasingly volatile when Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, publicly demanded Starmer's resignation, citing the need for a change in leadership at Downing Street. This bold move was met with immediate support for Starmer from senior Labour ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who emphasized the mandate Starmer received just 18 months ago.
Leadership Challenges and Resignations
Starmer's leadership was further tested by the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, following the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. This departure, along with the resignation of Tim Allan, Starmer's director of communications, has left the prime minister seeking new leadership within his team. Despite these setbacks, Starmer remains committed to his role, asserting that he is "not prepared to walk away" from his responsibilities.
Pledges for Reform and Future Challenges
In a meeting with over 400 Labour MPs and peers, Starmer pledged to reform his Downing Street operation and address the mistakes made under his leadership. He emphasized the importance of unifying the party and taking on political rivals such as Reform UK. However, with upcoming electoral challenges, including the Gorton and Denton by-election, Starmer's leadership will continue to be scrutinized.
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Scenario Analysis
The immediate future for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party is fraught with uncertainty. While Starmer has managed to stave off immediate threats to his leadership, the internal divisions within the party could pose significant challenges. The upcoming by-elections will serve as a critical test of his leadership and the party's unity. Should Labour perform poorly, it could reignite calls for Starmer's resignation and further destabilize the party. Conversely, a strong performance might consolidate his position and allow him to focus on broader political objectives. The evolving political landscape will require Starmer to navigate carefully, balancing internal party dynamics with the need to present a united front to the electorate.
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is navigating a significant leadership crisis as calls for his resignation intensify. Despite the turbulence, Starmer has managed to secure the backing of his cabinet, reinforcing his resolve to continue leading the party through challenging times.
Cabinet Support Amidst Turmoil
The political landscape became increasingly volatile when Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, publicly demanded Starmer's resignation, citing the need for a change in leadership at Downing Street. This bold move was met with immediate support for Starmer from senior Labour ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who emphasized the mandate Starmer received just 18 months ago.
Leadership Challenges and Resignations
Starmer's leadership was further tested by the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, following the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. This departure, along with the resignation of Tim Allan, Starmer's director of communications, has left the prime minister seeking new leadership within his team. Despite these setbacks, Starmer remains committed to his role, asserting that he is "not prepared to walk away" from his responsibilities.
Pledges for Reform and Future Challenges
In a meeting with over 400 Labour MPs and peers, Starmer pledged to reform his Downing Street operation and address the mistakes made under his leadership. He emphasized the importance of unifying the party and taking on political rivals such as Reform UK. However, with upcoming electoral challenges, including the Gorton and Denton by-election, Starmer's leadership will continue to be scrutinized.
What this might mean
The immediate future for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party is fraught with uncertainty. While Starmer has managed to stave off immediate threats to his leadership, the internal divisions within the party could pose significant challenges. The upcoming by-elections will serve as a critical test of his leadership and the party's unity. Should Labour perform poorly, it could reignite calls for Starmer's resignation and further destabilize the party. Conversely, a strong performance might consolidate his position and allow him to focus on broader political objectives. The evolving political landscape will require Starmer to navigate carefully, balancing internal party dynamics with the need to present a united front to the electorate.
