Jess Phillips Resigns Starmer Faces Growing Labour Rebellion 2026

Three Labour ministers have resigned in a dramatic escalation of the internal rebellion against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who told his cabinet he is not stepping down. The departures of Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, and a third unnamed minister mark the most serious challenge to Starmer's leadership since Labour's catastrophic local election results. The resignations are widely seen as part of an orchestrated campaign by supporters of Wes Streeting to force a leadership contest.

Who Resigned and Why

Jess Phillips, the high-profile minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, submitted a blistering resignation letter. While she called Starmer “a good man,” she argued he is fundamentally unsuited to leadership. Phillips accused the Prime Minister of avoiding arguments and blocking key legislation, including a plan to stop children taking naked images of themselves online.

Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for victims, also resigned, describing Starmer as a good man but insisting Labour must respond to the “catastrophic” election results. Davies-Jones represents Pontypridd in south Wales, where the Labour defeat was particularly devastating. A third minister has also stepped down, though their name has not yet been officially confirmed.

The Fallout and What It Means for Starmer

The resignations come after Andy Burnham’s allies suggested he could easily find a Labour MP willing to stand down to let him run for parliament. However, speculation that Marie Rimmer, the MP for St Helens South and Whiston, would step aside was quickly quashed. Rimmer, aged 79, issued a statement saying she supports Starmer and thinks Labour should offer “stability, seriousness and leadership.”

Starmer told his cabinet he is not stepping down, but the pressure is mounting. The resignations are seen as a coordinated push by the party’s left and centrist factions to force a leadership contest. With local election losses and internal strife, the Prime Minister faces his biggest crisis since taking office.

Key Points from Jess Phillips' Resignation Letter

• Praises Starmer's work on violence against women but says real change only came after “catastrophic mistakes.”
• Accuses Starmer of blocking legislation to stop children taking naked images of themselves, calling it an example of “incremental” politics.
• Claims Starmer avoids arguments, which means the government rarely makes a strong case for its policies.
• Says she will never waste a crisis to make advancements for women and girls.

What Happens Next

Labour’s internal turmoil is far from over. With three ministers gone and more MPs reportedly considering their positions, Starmer must rally his party or face a formal leadership challenge. The next few days will be critical as the party decides whether to back the Prime Minister or push for change.

Political analysts note that the resignations highlight deep divisions within Labour over strategy and messaging. The party’s poor performance in local elections has emboldened critics who argue Starmer’s cautious approach is failing to connect with voters. Meanwhile, supporters of the Prime Minister insist he is the best person to lead the party into the next general election.

FAQ Section

Why did Jess Phillips resign?

Jess Phillips resigned because she believes Keir Starmer is not suited to leadership, despite calling him a good man. She accused him of blocking key legislation on child safety and avoiding political arguments, which she says has stalled progress on important issues like violence against women.

Who else resigned from Starmer's government?

Alex Davies-Jones, the minister for victims, also resigned, citing the “catastrophic” local election results. A third minister has resigned but their name has not yet been officially confirmed. The resignations are seen as part of a coordinated campaign by Wes Streeting supporters.

Is Keir Starmer stepping down as Prime Minister?

No. Starmer told his cabinet he is not stepping down and intends to continue leading the Labour Party. However, the resignations and growing internal pressure could force a leadership contest in the coming weeks.