Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign after three Labour aides stepped down, joining over 50 Labour MPs in demanding his departure following a dismal performance in local elections.
Among those resigning is Joe Morris, a ministerial aide to Wes Streeting, widely considered a potential leadership contender.
Tom Rutland, a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Cabinet Office PPS Naushabah Khan have also resigned.
Mr Morris urged Sir Keir to establish “a swift timetable” for his departure..
Joe Morris’ statement in full
“The message from last week’s elections was clear: the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the public.
“Local councillors who have served their communities for decades, as well as first time candidates and the Labour members who campaigned for them, ended up taking the blame for decisions that were not theirs.
“A Reform government would destroy our public services and cripple our economy. It would target the voiceless and the most vulnerable while enriching the very richest. Despite the Prime Minister’s best efforts, voters simply do not accept that he can lead the change they voted for.
“Whether in Northumberland or in Newcastle, constituents need a Labour government in order to reduce the cost of living, to invest in our communities and our infrastructure and to make good on the promises made at the general election.
“I have boundless confidence in the Labour Party and in our ability to rise to this moment. However, regrettably, it is now clear that the Prime Minister no longer has the trust or confidence of the public to lead this change.
“It is in the best interests of the country and the party that the Prime Minister sets out a swift timetable to ensure that a new leader is in place to regain the confidence of the public and to ensure that the government can deliver on the commitments it has made.
“I was elected after 100 years of Conservative MPs treating our area with complacency. My first duty will always be to deliver for communities in my constituency, from Gilsland to Walbottle and from Kielder to Whittonstall. Only a strong Labour government, led by strong leadership, can deliver the change our communities deserve.”
