Starmer Defiantly Rejects Calls to Quit as Prime Minister
In a defiant public appearance, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected mounting pressure to resign, declaring he will never walk away from the country he loves. This marks his first public comments since Labour's Scottish leader, Anas Sarwar, called for his departure, sparking internal turmoil within the party.
Addressing Labour Infighting and Cost of Living Focus
Speaking at an event in Hertfordshire, Sir Keir hit out at the infighting, emphasizing that political turmoil will not deter him from tackling the cost of living crisis and improving opportunities for disadvantaged backgrounds. He stated, I am their Prime Minister, and this is their Government and I will never give up on that fight. He criticized those advocating for internal conflict, instead pledging to focus on fighting for millions in need.
Sir Keir reaffirmed his commitment to the mandate he was given to change the country, saying, I will never walk away from the people that I'm charged with fighting for and I will never walk away from the country that I love. He highlighted his Cabinet as the most working-class in history, but dismissed the notion that this alone ensures fair chances for all from poorer backgrounds.
Personal Motivation and Brother's Legacy
Reflecting on personal hardships, Sir Keir shared the story of his younger brother, Nick, who died in 2024 at age 60. He described Nick's struggles with learning difficulties and a life of job instability and near-poverty. This system, this political system, didn't work for him and there are billions of people in the same boat, he said, citing children in poverty and young people denied opportunities. This personal connection fuels his determination to fight on in No 10 for those held back by systemic failures.
Party Dynamics and Support Amidst Scandal Fallout
Earlier, Sir Keir chaired a political Cabinet meeting without civil servants, thanking ministers for their coordinated support following Mr Sarwar's call for his resignation. Mr Sarwar, the most senior Labour figure to urge the Prime Minister to step down, expressed concern that distractions from Downing Street could harm Labour's chances in May's Holyrood elections against the SNP.
Despite this, Sir Keir expressed huge respect for Mr Sarwar and said he supports him 100% without reservation, even amid the resignation call. The lack of ministerial backing for Mr Sarwar's position suggests the immediate danger has subsided, but Sir Keir's authority remains fragile due to simmering discontent from the Peter Mandelson scandal fallout.
Reactions from Senior Labour Figures
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband acknowledged the Prime Minister faced a moment of peril on Monday, with Labour MPs looked over the precipice after Mr Sarwar's intervention. However, in broadcast interviews, Mr Miliband argued the country has not changed enough under the Labour Government, calling for bolder actions to improve conditions.
In Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan did not echo Mr Sarwar's stance, instead offering her full confidence in Sir Keir. This mixed response underscores the ongoing tensions within Labour as the party navigates leadership challenges and electoral pressures.
