Jess Phillips has resigned from her role as safeguarding minister, becoming the second minister to step down amidst growing pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. In her resignation letter, Phillips stated she could not continue to serve under the current leadership as she was 'not seeing the change I think I, and the country expect'.
Second Minister Quits in a Day
Her departure follows that of junior minister Miatta Fahnbulleh on Tuesday morning, who also called for Sir Keir to establish a timetable for an 'orderly transition' of leadership. The resignations underscore the deepening crisis within the Labour Party.
Starmer Under Siege
Sir Keir Starmer is facing significant calls for his resignation, with at least four members of his top team, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, urging him to step down. However, he has told his Cabinet he 'will not quit'. Speculation is mounting that Health Secretary Wes Streeting is preparing to launch a leadership bid on Tuesday, as more than 80 Labour MPs have now publicly called for a change in the party's leadership.
The Independent reports live from Downing Street as a defiant Starmer pledges not to quit, despite the mounting pressure. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected throughout the day.
