Amid the ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly told his close aides that he is ready to “step down”. The Daily Mail UK reported, citing a cabinet source, that Starmer is ready to resign as prime minister but will act “on his own terms.”
“He realises the current chaos is unsustainable and simply wants to be able to do it in a dignified way and in a manner of his own choosing. He will set out a timetable,” the cabinet member told the UK-based outlet.
Why is the UK government in a crisis mode?
The UK Labour government has been plunged into a crisis amid rising voter dissatisfaction with the Starmer-led administration. The controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson and his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein drew widespread criticism. Following the Labour Party’s poor performance in the local elections, demands for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down have increased.
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Is Streeting’s exit the latest challenge to Starmer?
The most recent blow came with the resignation of Wes Streeting, ex-health secretary in Starmer’s cabinet. Streeting said on Saturday that he would move to challenge the British PM in any future Labour Party leadership contest, entering the race for the post of prime minister. During his speech, he also urged Starmer to “set a schedule” for his departure.
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Starmer’s growing unpopularity
Adding to the ongoing turmoil, Keir Starmer’s popularity ratings have also dropped significantly. According to YouGov UK surveys, nearly 69% of Britons have an “unfavourable” opinion about him. YouGov also reported that Starmer is the least popular prime minister on record, with many comparing it to the 49 days of Liz Truss’ run as the prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, reports stated that Starmer’s own Labour Party seems to be losing faith in his leadership. Several Labour MPs are currently fearful that if Starmer’s unpopularity streak continues, it would threaten the chances of a Labour government in the future and may hand the country into the hands of the far-right led by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
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