Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure as the first minister resigns from his Government, urging him to outline a departure plan. Housing, communities and local government minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told the Prime Minister to “do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition”.
Resignation Details
Ms Fahnbulleh, a close ally of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, announced her resignation on X, stating that while progress has been made, the government has not acted with the vision, pace, and ambition required. She cited mistakes such as the winter fuel payment and cuts to support for disabled people as eroding public trust.
Her resignation comes ahead of a fraught Cabinet meeting, where some ministers are reportedly urging Sir Keir to step down. Ms Fahnbulleh’s departure adds to the beleaguered Labour leader’s challenges, with her statement emphasizing that the public does not believe he can lead the necessary change.
Call for Transition
In her statement, Ms Fahnbulleh said: “It has been a privilege to play my part in a government that is working hard at every level to deliver the change that our country needs. Whilst progress has been made, we have not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us. Nor have we governed as a Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions.”
She concluded: “Therefore, I urge you to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition so that a new team can deliver the change we promised the country.”
