UK junior minister resigns, calls on PM to set out departure plan

(Alliance News) - The first UK minister has resigned from Keir Starmer's government, piling pressure on the beleaguered Labour leader to quit.

Housing, Communities & Local Government minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told the prime minister "to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition".

Fahnbulleh is seen as a close ally of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who reportedly told Starmer to consider stepping down last week.

Her resignation comes as Starmer faces a fraught Cabinet meeting, with some ministers said to be urging the prime minister to go.

In a statement posted on X, Fahnbulleh said: "It has been a privilege to play my part in a government that is working hard at every level to deliver the change that our country needs.

"Whilst progress has been made, we have not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us. Nor have we governed as a Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions.

"Mistakes such as the winter fuel payment and cuts to the support provided to disabled people have left too many of my constituents doubting our mission.

"And the message on the doorstep was clear: you, Prime Minister, have lost the trust and confidence of the public.

"Our country faces enormous challenges and people are crying out for the scale of change that this requires.

"The public does not believe that you can lead this change – and nor do I.

"Therefore, I urge you to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition so that a new team can deliver the change we promised the country."

By Sophie Wingate, Press Association Deputy Political Editor

Press Association: News

source: PA

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