Facing intensified pressure after heavy local election losses, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign and pledged to continue pursuing a government reform programme. He warned that forcing him out would risk "chaos and instability" and emphasized priorities such as fighting the cost of living crisis, cutting hospital waiting lists and strengthening national security. The state opening of Parliament will proceed with King Charles reading a government-drafted speech detailing a package of more than 35 bills, though the practical delivery of that agenda remains uncertain while internal dissent continues.
Starmer Vows To Press On With Reforms Ahead Of State Opening As Leadership Calls Intensify
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets construction apprentices during a visit to London South Bank Technical College in London, Britain, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday he will press ahead with his government’s reform agenda despite intensified calls from within his own party for him to resign, warning that removing him would return Britain to 'chaos and instability.' The pledge follows heavy losses for Labour in last week's local elections and public demands for his resignation from dozens of MPs.
So far almost a quarter of Labour's elected MPs have publicly urged Starmer to step aside and several junior ministers have resigned in protest, yet no formal leadership challenge has been launched. Starmer spent much of Tuesday in private meetings at Downing Street trying to shore up support while preparing to set out his programme in public.
State Opening To Go Ahead
Despite the internal turmoil, Starmer will participate in Wednesday's state opening of Parliament — the ceremonial occasion led by King Charles in which the government outlines its legislative priorities for the year. After donning the Robe of State, the King will read a speech drafted by Starmer's government setting out a package of more than 35 bills and draft bills.
"The British people expect the government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better: cutting the cost of living, reducing hospital waiting lists and keeping the country safe in an increasingly dangerous world," Starmer said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
Agenda And Authority In Doubt
Officials say the proposed measures will focus on boosting the economy, strengthening national security and reforming the state to enable a more active government. But the practical implementation of that agenda is uncertain: any successor would not be obliged to pursue the same programme if Starmer is removed.
Starmer is expected to meet senior minister Wes Streeting, who has been named as a potential leadership contender, ahead of the ceremony. Under television cameras and alongside leaders of rival parties, he will lead the procession from the House of Commons to the House of Lords for the king's speech and will later take part in a parliamentary debate that opponents may use to challenge his authority.
Reporting: William James. Editing: Rosalba O'Brien.
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