UK's Starmer says he is focused on doing his job as PM
Labour Party Turmoil and Starmer's Response
LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is under intense pressure to quit from within his Labour Party after a set of poor local election results, said on Monday he remained focused on doing his job.
Labour's Election Losses and Internal Pressure
The heavy losses for Labour in the May 7 elections triggered almost a quarter of his lawmakers to call for him to go, and two rivals are openly vying to replace him, unsettling investors who have pushed up the government's borrowing costs.
Starmer's Commitment to His Role
"I am focused on the job that I was asked to do, which is to serve my country and to carry out my duties as prime minister of this country," he told staff during a visit to the Labour Party's headquarters.
Leadership Challenge Speculation
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Starmer would not be setting out a timetable for his departure. This came after media reports over the weekend said he was weighing whether or not to announce a plan to step down.
Potential Successors and Party Dynamics
Lawmaker Wes Streeting, who quit as health minister last week, said on Saturday he would stand in any formal leadership contest. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seeking a seat in parliament that would allow him to make a challenge too.
Requirements for Leadership Challenge
Starmer has repeatedly said that he intends to fight any leadership challenge. Any candidate wishing to make a challenge would need to secure the support of 20% of Labour members of parliament. With Labour currently holding 403 seats, that equates to 81 backers.
(Reporting by William James and Elizabeth PiperEditing by William Schomberg, Alexandra Hudson)