Labour has descended into open division over Sir Keir Starmer's future after four ministers resigned and scores of MPs publicly questioned his leadership. At least 80 Labour MPs are now understood to have urged Sir Keir to step aside, while more than 100 others have warned against a leadership contest.
Among those to quit Government roles were prominent backbencher Jess Phillips and health minister Zubir Ahmed, who is considered an ally of leadership hopeful Wes Streeting. Their departures have intensified pressure on the Prime Minister as unrest grows within the Labour party.
Mr Streeting is expected to meet Sir Keir on Wednesday morning amid mounting speculation over the party's future. According to The Times, the pair are set to discuss the "turbulence" engulfing Labour and how the Prime Minister plans to "get us out of this mess".
Despite the growing backlash, Sir Keir said he intends to remain in post during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. He also received public backing from several senior allies, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who urged colleagues to "step back and take a breath".
Meanwhile, speculation continued to swirl around Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood after reports claimed she had privately told the Prime Minister to consider his position. However, a spokesman dismissed suggestions she was preparing to resign, insisting she was "cracking on with the job".
