Three British ministers resign as Starmer faces…

Three junior ministers resigned on Tuesday in protest at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, increasing pressure on him after Labour’s poor performance in last week’s local elections.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, Housing and Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh and Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones have all resigned.

Phillips, a prominent women’s rights campaigner, said in her resignation letter that Labor had failed to make its case and blocked progress. “I want a Labor government to work, but I don’t see the change I think I and the country expect, and therefore I cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership,” he wrote.

More than 80 Labor lawmakers have publicly called on Starmer to set a timetable for his departure.

Starmer rejected calls to resign at a cabinet meeting, saying he took responsibility for the election defeat but would focus on governing. Defense Minister John Healey and other loyalists expressed support for him.

Starmer has been prime minister for less than two years. No formal move has been made to spark a leadership contest, but senior figures, including Health Minister Wes Streeting, are seen as potential challengers.

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