UK PM Starmer tells cabinet he’s not quitting; junior minister resigns

British Prime Minster Keir Starmer tells a meeting of his cabinet that he is not quitting, Starmer’s office says.

“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered,” the statement says.

“The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a Cabinet.

“The past 48 hours have been destabilising for government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families.”

However, Starmer loses the first member of his government as he faced pressure to step down following losses in local elections.

Housing, communities and local government minister Miatta Fahnbulleh steps down and urges Starmer “to do the right thing for the country” and set a timetable to step aside.

This morning I sent my letter of resignation to the Prime Minister.

I urge the Prime Minister to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition. pic.twitter.com/u5UArjv7uR

— Miatta Fahnbulleh (@Miatsf) May 12, 2026

Fahnbulleh, a junior minister who is considered to be on the left of the party, says she was proud of her service but the government had not acted with the vision, pace and mandate for change it had been given by voters.

“Nor have we governed as a Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions,” she says.