'No Timetable For Starmer's Departure': Deputy PM Amid Calls For UK PM's Resignation

Last Updated:May 18, 2026, 16:06 IST

David Lammy says Keir Starmer will not set a departure timetable despite heavy Labour election losses, a growing rebellion, investor jitters, and Wes Streeting quitting.

Despite facing intense pressure from within the Labour Party, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not set out a timetable for his departure, his deputy David Lammy said on Monday.

According to Reuters, the heavy ​losses for Labour in the May 7 ⁠elections triggered almost a quarter of ​his lawmakers to call for him to go, ​and two rivals are openly vying to replace him, unsettling investors who have pushed up the government’s borrowing ​costs.

However, Lammy told Sky News that he has spoken to the PM twice on Sunday and “there will be no timetable for departure".

“Keir Starmer remains the most resilient person I know in my life. I spoke to him twice yesterday. He has a strength of character and fighting experience. There will be no timetable," he said. “What there is, is getting on with the business of government. [I’m] really crystal clear about that."

“At the moment there is no contest. What there is, is his determination to deliver for the British people, accelerate the pace over the coming months. [There’s] much to do," he added.

The crisis escalated after senior cabinet minister and Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned and publicly declared that Starmer “wouldn’t lead the party for much longer", urging him to facilitate a leadership contest with the “best possible field of candidates".

More than 90 Labour lawmakers have reportedly either called for Starmer to resign or asked him to set out a clear timetable for his departure. But despite the growing rebellion, removing a sitting British prime minister is neither automatic nor straightforward.

News world 'No Timetable For Starmer's Departure': Deputy PM Amid Calls For UK PM's Resignation

Read More