Story perspectives

Starmer Refuses Leadership Talks After Ministers Resign, Poll Shows Viability

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he will not discuss his leadership and refused individual meetings after two ministers resigned.
Speculation grew that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham may secure an MP’s withdrawal to re-enter Westminster.
Private polling seen by Starmer suggests he could still win a Labour Party membership ballot.
Two letters of support for Starmer are circulating among backbenchers, each still short of one hundred signatures.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his cabinet he will not discuss his leadership and refused individual meetings after two ministers resigned.
Speculation grew that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham may secure an MP’s withdrawal to re-enter Westminster.
Private polling seen by Starmer suggests he could still win a Labour Party membership ballot.
Two letters of support for Starmer are circulating among backbenchers, each still short of one hundred signatures.