Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told his cabinet on Tuesday that he will not resign despite a wave of ministerial departures [1].

This defiance comes as the Labour government faces a crisis of confidence. The resignations signal a deepening rift within the party following recent electoral setbacks, threatening Starmer's ability to maintain a stable governing majority.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips was among those to step down [1]. In a statement to ITV News, Phillips said, "You are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things, but I have seen first‑hand how that is not enough" [2].

Reports on the total number of departures vary. Some sources indicate a fourth Labour minister has resigned [3], while other reports state a third minister quit following the resignation of Phillips [4].

The pressure is not limited to the cabinet. More than 100 Labour MPs have called for Starmer to stand down [3]. Health Minister Wes Streeting said that members of the cabinet may well tell Starmer to resign on Tuesday [5].

Starmer has remained firm in his decision to stay in office. "I will not step down — I am here to get on with governing," Starmer said [6].

The turmoil centers on Downing Street and the wider Westminster political arena [1]. The resignations were triggered by growing discontent within the party over Starmer's leadership style, and the party's recent performance at the polls [1].

“"I will not step down — I am here to get on with governing."”

The refusal of the Prime Minister to resign in the face of a double-digit ministerial exodus and a rebellion from over 100 of his own MPs creates a precarious power dynamic. While Starmer currently holds the office, the loss of key figures like Jess Phillips suggests a collapse in internal trust that may make the legislative agenda difficult to pass, regardless of his personal resolve to stay.