Britain’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from the Labour Party government, escalating political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer following poor local election results.

Streeting said he no longer had confidence in Starmer’s leadership and argued the party’s unpopularity contributed to defeats across the UK.

His resignation has added to a wider wave of discontent, with more than 80 Labour MPs reportedly urging Starmer to step down or set out a departure plan.

Labour MP Josh Simons also announced plans to resign his seat, potentially paving the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Parliament and mount a leadership challenge, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Meanwhile, several junior ministers, including Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, have resigned, but no formal leadership contest has yet been triggered.