A fresh crisis has engulfed Sir Keir Starmer's premiership after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over a funding row for the armed forces. He was followed by veterans minister Al Carns and two parliamentary aides. In his resignation letter, Healey implied the Prime Minister could not overrule Chancellor Rachel Reeves to secure the desired funding in the Defence Investment Plan (Dip). The Dip, a long-term blueprint for military funding, has been delayed due to disputes between the Ministry of Defence, Treasury, and No 10.
Resignations Mount
Healey warned Starmer that without a Dip that “meets the moment,” he would be forced to make decisions that could make the country less safe. Carns stated he could not defend a level of investment he knew to be inadequate. Parliamentary private secretaries Pamela Nash and Rachel Hopkins also resigned. Nearly nine hours after Healey's departure, Dan Jarvis was named as his successor.
Leadership Under Threat
The resignations follow Wes Streeting and other junior figures quitting after Labour's local election losses. Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge as Andy Burnham eyes a return to Parliament in the Makerfield by-election.
Readers can vote in our online poll on whether the Prime Minister should resign now.
