British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not set out a timetable to leave office despite mounting pressure from within the Labour Party, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said on Monday.
Starmer has faced growing calls to quit after Labour suffered heavy losses in the May 7 local elections. Nearly a quarter of Labour lawmakers are now urging him to step down, while rivals are openly positioning themselves for a possible leadership contest.
“There will be no timetable for departure,” Lammy told Sky News, adding that he had spoken to the prime minister twice on Sunday.
The unrest within Labour has unsettled investors, pushing up government borrowing costs as uncertainty over Starmer’s future grows.
Lawmaker Wes Streeting, who resigned as health minister last week, said on Saturday he would contest any formal leadership race.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also seeking a parliamentary seat that could allow him to launch a challenge.
Starmer has repeatedly insisted he intends to fight any leadership attempt against him.
Under Labour Party rules, a leadership contest would begin if a lawmaker secures 81 nominations, equivalent to 20% of Labour members of parliament.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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