Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, who cited insufficient military spending as the reason for his departure. The resignation, announced on Thursday, comes just weeks after a series of ministerial exits following Labour's poor election performance.
Healey's letter to Starmer stated that the proposed level of defence investment "falls well short" of what is needed to protect the country. This has left newly appointed Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, a decorated former soldier, to explain the setback at a NATO defence ministers meeting next week.
The crisis deepened when Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned shortly after stating in a television interview that his role was to "steady the ship." Carns, who had been considered a potential leadership challenger, told the BBC he was "not scared of gunfire" if a leadership contest were initiated.
Starmer's allies argue that he is grappling with a difficult economic backdrop, including sluggish growth, high tax burdens, and rising welfare costs, while facing demands for increased defence spending. The government had already planned cuts in other departments to fund defence, but critics, including the Conservatives, insist welfare reform is necessary.
With potential leadership rivals like Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and others watching closely, Starmer must now work to revive his premiership, which appears increasingly fragile.