British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of the biggest political crises of his leadership as growing numbers of Labour MPs call for his resignation following heavy losses in local elections and mounting dissatisfaction within the party.

Despite the pressure, Starmer has insisted he will continue governing and push ahead with reforms aimed at improving the economy, reducing hospital waiting lists and strengthening national security.

The prime minister held a brief meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Wednesday morning at Downing Street. Streeting, widely seen as a potential leadership contender, spent less than 20 minutes inside before leaving without speaking to reporters.

The meeting came amid intense speculation over Starmer’s future after more than 80 Labour MPs reportedly called for him to step down. Several junior ministers have also resigned in protest in recent days, deepening the crisis within the ruling party.

Among those who resigned were Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, Zubir Ahmed and Miatta Fahnbulleh. In her resignation letter, Fahnbulleh reportedly told Starmer that the public no longer believed he could deliver meaningful change.

However, Starmer’s allies have attempted to calm speculation about a leadership challenge. Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said no rival candidate appeared to have enough support within the party to formally challenge the prime minister.

The political uncertainty comes ahead of the ceremonial opening of parliament, where King Charles III is expected to outline the government’s legislative agenda in a speech prepared by Starmer’s administration.

The government plans to introduce more than 35 bills and draft laws focused on economic reform, public services and national security.

While Starmer remains determined to continue in office, uncertainty over his leadership has cast a shadow over the government’s future direction and raised questions about Labour’s stability less than two years after its election victory.