Labour MP says Starmer should resign to end ‘psychodrama’

London: British PM Keir Starmer is grappling with a wave of resignation calls from within his party and from opposition leaders following a series of Westminster scandals, The Guardian reports. 

On Wednesday, the PM refused to deny that his office had considered appointing Matthew Doyle to a diplomatic role after he left a previous position. While Starmer suggested such considerations are common for departing employees, he confirmed no appointment was made. The row has sparked a public backlash from Labour MP Jonathan Brash, who represents Hartlepool. 

Brash told GB News the government is currently “consumed by the psychodrama” of internal turmoil, which is preventing it from focusing on the British public's priorities, such as the NHS, the cost of living and rising crime. 

Brash argued that a resignation is now “not a case of if, it is when”, expressing frustration that the government's achievements are being overshadowed by the “absolute mess” in Westminster.

The government's handling of the civil service has also come under fire. Lord Butler, a former cabinet secretary, criticised the decision to sack senior official Olly Robbins, stating it was “not in the national interest”. Butler warned that the move has damaged the essential harmony and mutual respect required between politicians and civil servants.

Further pressure came from Edinburgh, where John Swinney, the SNP leader and Scottish First Minister, accused the PM of a “vacuum of leadership”. 

Swinney described the ongoing situation surrounding Peter Mandelson’s potential appointment to a prestigious ambassadorial role as a “farce”. He claimed the move was driven by “political impetus” and insisted that Sir Starmer should take responsibility and resign.