LIVE: Third minister quits over Keir Starmer’s leadership

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has just walked back into Number 10.

He did not say anything as reporters shouted questions from the other side of Downing Street.

Mr McFadden was among cabinet ministers who joined Sir Keir Starmer for a weekly meeting earlier today.

A Labour MP has branded Andy Burnham ‘shameless’ as the Greater Manchester Mayor reportedly bides his time to declare an interest in succeeding Sir Keir Starmer.

Neil Coyle, who represents Bermondsey in South London, reacted to social media post which stated Burnham would intervene publicly if ‘anything kicks off’.

‘He’s been kicking off for two years. Shameless,’ Mr Coyle wrote on X.

It comes after Mr Burnham was pictured arriving in London at Euston station earlier today amid claims he has travelled down to meet with Labour MPs.

Luke Pollard said he would not be resigning as a minister to provide some relief to Sir Keir Starmer following three resignations today.

In a series of social media posts which did not mention the Prime Minister by name, the defence minister said:

At a moment of seriousness for our country, defence needs a steady hand. I recognise the decisions that many of my colleagues are making about the leadership of our party. I too want bold leadership to deliver the change our country needs.

With our troops deployed round the world, with threats building towards the UK and our allies, my responsibility as defence minister is to put our country first and provide continuity and consistency for our armed forces and defence sector at a highly uncertain time.

Whatever is happening elsewhere in British politics, national security is the first responsibility of government and something I take very seriously. That is why I will not be resigning and will be continuing to support our efforts to rearm, rebuild our forces and protect the UK.

by David Wilcock, Deputy Political Editor

Britain faces being dragged to the Left with a rise in spending, taxation, the minimum wage and renationalisation if Keir Starmer is removed from power.

Higher public spending, higher taxes, a more generous minimum wage and yet more new rights for workers at the expense of employers are among ideas that have been floated by some of the challengers and their allies.

Even before the Prime Minister quits or is forced from No10, the markets have reacted with fear over who might replace him and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Long-term borrowing costs have surged to a fresh 28-year high and the pound weakened as Sir Keir’s leadership comes under increasing pressure.

The yield on 30-year UK government bonds – also known as gilts – jumped as much as 13 basis points to 5.807 per cent in this morning’s trading, reaching the highest level since 1998 as Sir Keir faced increasing calls from within his own party to quit.

In her resignation letter, Alex Davies-Jones urged Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his departure.

She wrote:

It has been the honour of my life to serve His Majesty’s Government as the Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.

I have been proud to deliver some monumental changes which will help save lives and shift the dial on the conversation.

However, we have needed to do more and therefore it is with a very heavy heart that I feel I have no choice but to resign.

‘The scale of the electoral defeats at the Senedd Cymru and across the United Kingdom have been catastrophic. The country has spoken and we must listen.

She added:

I implore you to act in the country’s interest and set out a timetable for your departure.

Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has resigned from government, she said in a letter to the Prime Minister.

Ms Davies-Jones said ‘radical action’ is now required by Labour and that the ‘country has spoken’ following a disastrous set of local elections results last week.

Wes Streeting or Andy Burnham?

It is perhaps the question for Labour as MPs increasingly call for a change in leadership.

But who would Sir Keir prefer to take the reins.

The Daily Mail’s Senior Political Correspondent-at-Large Christian Calgie explains who Sir Keir likes the least:

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Prime Minister, took to X to reiterate his support for Sir Keir Starmer after Cabinet, saying ‘serious times call for serious leadership’.

He wrote:

Just out of Cabinet and then the Middle East Response Committee. The impact of the conflict in Iran will be felt here at home at a time when we know the cost of living has been difficult for many.

This Labour Government is working hard to protect families and businesses from the economic shocks as much as we can.

Serious times call for serious leadership, which is exactly what the Prime Minister is providing.

Jess Phillips said ‘deeds, not words are what matter’, adding she felt she cannot serve under the Prime Minister.

Her letter, reported by Sky News, continued:

Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It’s true they are precious. Every Labour government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better.

I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter. I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.

Decency is vital, calm curiosity is also needed, but so too are fight and drive required. Have a row, push back, make arguments, bring people along. Standing up and being counted can’t always be workshopped. Politics is as much about feelings as policy, especially at the moment.

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.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has resigned from the Government over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Ms Phillips becomes the second minister to quit after Miatta Fahnbulleh earlier today.

Keir Starmer refused to speak to Wes Street after this morning’s cabinet meeting, it is being reported.

According to Sky News, the Health Secretary attempted to speak to Sir Keir in Downing Street but was rebuffed.

Earlier we reported Starmer told ministers he would not discuss his leadership and would only speak to them individually.