Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he will not walk away after the resignations of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns, further damaging his fragile authority. The Prime Minister admitted he has "got to turn things around" if he is to remain in office and lead Labour into the next general election.
Defence Funding Row
The resignations, along with two ministerial aides, came over a long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip). Sir Keir stressed that defence spending was a priority and that he had taken the "difficult decisions" needed to keep the country safe. However, the timing is perilous for the Prime Minister, whose premiership has looked precarious since May's election results across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Leadership Challenges
Andy Burnham hopes to return to Westminster in next week's Makerfield by-election and has made no secret of his leadership ambitions. Former health secretary Wes Streeting will also run in any contest. Sir Keir said, "I don't think we should plunge the country into the chaos of a leadership election," but told the BBC he would fight any challenge.
Asked if he would lead Labour into the next general election, expected in 2029, he said: "Well, that's what I want to do. I recognise that I've got to turn things around. We had a very bad set of elections."
