Farnbra became the first minister in Starmer’s government to resign publicly over concerns about the government’s direction.
“I urge the Prime Minister to do the right thing for the country and the party and set a timetable for an orderly transition,” she wrote in her resignation letter posted on X.
She also said the public no longer trusted Starmer to deliver the changes promised by Labour, and argued a new leadership team was needed to rebuild trust.
Who is Miata Farnbra?
Fahnbulleh will only enter parliament in 2024, making her resignation particularly significant for a relatively new Labor MP.Before entering the political front, she led the New Economics Foundation, a left-leaning think tank focused on economic and social policy issues.After Labor came to power, she was appointed minister for energy security and net zero under Ed Miliband, before moving to the Department of Housing and Communities.Farnbra is seen as a close political ally of Miliband, adding to the political significance of her resignation within the Labor Party.Notably, in criticizing Starmer’s leadership, she stopped short of calling for his immediate resignation, instead pushing for what she called an “orderly transition”.
Starmer faces growing calls to resign
Starmer’s resignation comes amid growing pressure within the party after Labour’s disappointing performance in recent local elections in England and Wales.According to media reports, more than 60 Labor MPs have privately and publicly called on Starmer to announce a timetable for his resignation, fearing that his leadership could damage the party’s prospects before the next general election.Former deputy minister Katherine West is reportedly among those backing the leadership change. She said an orderly transition was best for Labour, and confirmed efforts were underway to collect signatures from Labor MPs seeking September’s leadership contest.Meanwhile, reports suggest that at least 81 Labor MPs have now publicly called for Starmer to resign, although Labor rules do not automatically trigger a vote of confidence based on these figures.
Labor’s defeat in local elections sparks internal backlash
The rebellion has grown as Labor suffered serious setbacks in local and devolved elections, sparking criticism within the party of Starmer’s political tactics and inability to connect with voters.Some MPs are said to be concerned that the current direction of the Labor Party under Starmer could weaken its standing nationally despite its return to power.The election results have exacerbated divisions within Labour, with critics saying the leadership failed to inspire core supporters and deliver a convincing message to voters.
What Starmer said about calls to resign
Responding to calls for him to resign, Starmer insisted he would remain in office and prove his critics wrong.According to Downing Street, Starmer told his cabinet: “As I said yesterday, I am responsible for the results of these elections and I am responsible for delivering the changes we have promised.“The last 48 hours have been shaky for the government, with real economic costs for our country and our families.“Labour has a process to challenge the leader but it has not yet been launched.“The country wants us to stay in power. That’s what I’m doing and that’s what we have to do as cabinet.”