Embattled Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer held crunch talks with Health Secretary Wes Streeting at No10 Downing Street on Wednesday, just hours before King Charles’ speech at the state opening of Parliament. The meeting came amid escalating calls for Starmer’s resignation from within his own party.
Showdown Talks at No10
Wes Streeting was seen leaving Downing Street after a brief but intense meeting with the Prime Minister. The discussions are understood to have focused on the growing rebellion among Labour MPs, with Buckingham Palace reportedly advising against involving the monarch in the party's internal crisis.
Labour Rebellion Intensifies
Several Labour MPs, including Jess Phillips and junior minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, have resigned from their positions and publicly urged Sir Keir to set a timetable for his departure. At least 80 MPs have now called for a leadership change, signaling significant discontent within the party.
Starmer Defiant
Despite the mounting pressure, Sir Keir Starmer has defiantly told his Cabinet that he 'will not quit' and urged them to rally behind him. In a show of support, over 100 Labour MPs have signed a statement backing the Prime Minister, asserting that 'this is no time for a leadership contest'. The statement emphasizes the need for unity ahead of the King's Speech and the upcoming parliamentary agenda.
The clash between Starmer and his critics highlights the deep divisions within the Labour Party, as it prepares to face the monarch and outline its legislative plans. With the King's Speech set to take place later today, all eyes remain on Downing Street for any further developments.
