How Keir Starmer lost authority over two days of confusion and drama

"As the afternoon faded in Westminster, final preparations were being made for Wednesday's state opening of parliament, where King Charles will set out a year-long legislative programme for a government that even its most ardent allies fear might not last the week. Once again, here we are. Keir Starmer is still the UK's prime minister. It is even possible he might be in a few months from now. But after two days punctuated by confusion and drama on a scale that belies Labour's promise to end years of political upheaval, his authority appears shredded."

"It had been widely anticipated that Starmer would come under intense pressure should Labour face a drubbing in last Thursday's elections in England, Scotland and Wales which it duly did. A speech on Monday was heralded as a make-or-break reset, but widely considered a dud. Since then, almost a quarter of Starmer's MPs have formally requested he step down, either now or at an agreed time in the coming months. Several ministers have resigned, with one of them, Jess Phillips, condemning the prime minister as too weak and process-driven to ever implement real change."

"You can only lead if you have the broad support of your party, and it's now undeniably true that Keir doesn't. Keir Starmer's speech on Monday was billed as a make or break moment. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images The demands for action have, however, not yet been coupled with a plan for what, or rather who, comes next. None of Wes Streeting, the health secretary, Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, Ed Miliband, the energy secretary or Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester viewed as the most likely challengers has made a move."

"Burnham would have to find a route back to parliament first. For now, there is something of an enforced stalemate. On Wednesday morning, the king will arrive in a gil"

Preparations are underway for the state opening of parliament in Westminster, where King Charles will outline a year-long legislative programme. Keir Starmer remains prime minister, but his authority appears damaged after two days marked by confusion and drama. Labour suffered election losses across England, Scotland, and Wales, and a Monday speech intended as a reset was widely seen as ineffective. Since then, nearly a quarter of Starmer’s MPs have formally requested he resign, either immediately or later. Several ministers have resigned, including Jess Phillips, who criticized Starmer as too weak and overly focused on process. Demands for change have not yet produced a clear plan or successor, leaving an enforced stalemate as Wednesday approaches.

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