Fresh Blow for Starmer as Fourth Minister Quits in Single Day

Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour Party is hanging in the balance after a wave of cabinet resignations and deepening internal revolt, with one senior figure accusing the prime minister of abandoning “value-driven leadership.”

Dr. Zubir Ahmed, an NHS surgeon serving as junior minister for health innovation and safety, walked out on Tuesday — the fourth minister to resign within 24 hours. In a stinging statement, he blamed Starmer for failing to provide principled direction amid collapsing public confidence.

His departure followed the exit of three other junior ministers earlier that day, as well as more than 70 Labour lawmakers openly calling for Starmer to step down. The crisis was ignited by heavy Labour losses in local elections, and it has rapidly escalated into the most serious political threat to Starmer’s premiership since he took office.

Political observers noted eerie parallels with the downfall of Boris Johnson. “It begins to have the feel of exactly how Boris Johnson came unstuck — a growing number of ministers resigning,” one analyst said. “The question is how far that creates a position where it’s impossible to keep a government together. Junior ministers are now resigning. We’ll see where it ends.”

Yet Starmer is not without defenders. More than 100 Labour MPs have signed a joint statement rejecting any leadership contest. “This is not the time for a leadership battle,” the statement read. “Rebuilding public trust must begin immediately with all MPs working together to deliver the change the country needs.”

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy offered a vigorous defence, insisting no credible rival has emerged. “Starmer was elected just under two years ago with a mandate from the British people for five years. He has my full support,” Lammy said. “It’s been 24 hours now and nobody has come forward to put themselves forward in the processes that exist in the party. No one seems to have the numbers to stand up against Keir Starmer. Let’s get on with running this country — that’s what the prime minister’s been doing.”

For now, Starmer remains defiant, refusing to step aside as his party battles itself in full public view.