Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips has become the second minister to quit Sir Keir Starmer’s government, delivering another major blow to the prime minister as his leadership comes under intensifying pressure from within his own party.
Her resignation comes shortly after Starmer told his Cabinet that he “will not quit,” despite mounting calls for him to stand down.
The Prime Minister urged ministers to back him as Labour grapples with what is increasingly being described as the most serious crisis of his premiership.
In her resignation letter, the Safeguarding Minister made clear she could no longer continue in government under the current leadership, despite expressing personal respect for the prime minister.
“I want a Labour government to work and I will strive as I always have for its success and popularity, but I’m not seeing the change I think I, and the country expect, and so cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership.”
Jess Phillips
Phillips also set out detailed frustrations over the pace and nature of government reform, particularly in relation to tackling violence against women and girls. While acknowledging efforts made in government, she suggested progress had often only followed moments of political pressure.
“I think you are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things however I have seen first-hand how that is not enough. The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed.”
Jess Phillips
She further pointed to what she described as slow movement on proposals to restrict the ability of children to take explicit images of themselves, saying delays in legislative action had frustrated attempts to address online child exploitation.
Her departure adds to growing instability in Labour’s senior ranks, with pressure intensifying both inside and outside government.
Earlier, Miatta Fahnbulleh also resigned from her ministerial role, calling for a clearer timetable for Starmer’s departure.
She indicated that, she believed the Prime Minister could not lead the party forward and indicated support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential future leader.
“The Prime Minister needs to set a proper process, and we need our best players available. Keir has to do right by the country and see us through that process.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Fahnbulleh said her decision followed extensive engagement with voters during the election period, claiming there was a deep loss of trust in the prime minister.
“Too many mistakes have been made, and too many things seen as counter to Labour values. Fairly or unfairly they pin it on him.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh
While she criticised aspects of Starmer’s leadership, she also defended his handling of international affairs, particularly recent developments in Iran, and said he should remain in office temporarily to ensure stability during any leadership transition.
She added that if Andy Burnham were currently an MP, she would support him as leader, while stressing that any transition should be orderly and carefully managed.
Labour Unity Under Strain as Starmer Supporters Push Back Against Resignation Calls
Meanwhile, a loyal Labour MP has warned that removing Keir Starmer as Prime Minister would not resolve the country’s challenges, as debate within the party over its leadership continues to intensify following a turbulent political period.
Southport Labour MP, Patrick Hurley, made a direct appeal for unity, urging colleagues to maintain support for the prime minister despite growing pressure from sections of the party calling for change. Far from improving the situation, he argued that replacing Starmer could trigger further instability within government and deepen economic uncertainty at a sensitive time.
The intervention comes as Labour grapples with internal tensions, with some MPs and senior figures questioning the party’s direction after recent political setbacks.
Despite the unrest, Cabinet ministers have continued to publicly close ranks around the prime minister.
Defence Secretary, John Healey expressed support, stressing that government stability is essential amid ongoing global tensions.
According to the Defence Secretary, “People are worried about current conflicts and looming global crises.”
“They expect their government to lead the country through, as the PM is doing. More instability is not in Britain’s interest. Our full focus now must be on dealing with immediate economic & security challenges.”
John Healey
Support was also echoed from within the Treasury team, with Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray offering a clear endorsement of Starmer’s leadership, stating, “Keir’s got my full support, and he’s getting on with the job. We’re all behind him,” he said.
However, concerns within Labour’s wider ranks remain visible. Baroness Margaret Hodge described earlier the current situation as deeply troubling, pointing to what she called a loss of public confidence following recent election results.
She noted that, “It is incredibly depressing that after less than two years in office, we find ourselves in this position.”
She further warned that Labour must urgently rebuild trust with voters, arguing that “yesterday’s speech by Keir failed to do that.”
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