Jess Phillips has resigned from government in a damaging new blow to Keir Starmer, accusing Labour of lacking the courage and urgency needed to deliver meaningful change.
The safeguarding minister’s departure deepens the growing sense of crisis engulfing Downing Street as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister following disastrous election results, market turmoil and intensifying unrest inside Labour ranks.
In a striking resignation letter, Phillips praised Sir Keir personally but suggested his leadership had become paralysed by caution and indecision.
“I think you are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things,” she wrote.
“However I have seen first-hand how that is not enough.
“The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed.”
Her resignation is likely to be interpreted by Labour MPs as one of the most politically damaging interventions yet from within government, particularly given Phillips’ longstanding reputation as an outspoken and influential figure on the party’s Left and among grassroots activists.
EXCLUSIVE: Jess Phillips, safeguarding minister, resigns from govt pic.twitter.com/bqapF5qUcK
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) May 12, 2026
In a pointed warning about Labour squandering its moment in office, she added:
“Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It’s true they are precious.
“Every Labour government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better.”
She then delivered a direct rebuke to the pace and ambition of the current administration.
“I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter.
“I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.”
The resignation comes amid widening speculation over Sir Keir’s future, with reports of Cabinet unease, rising anger among MPs and financial markets increasingly reacting to political instability at Westminster.
Phillips’ exit will intensify concerns among Labour MPs that the Government is losing momentum and struggling to define a clear political direction as economic pressures mount and internal tensions worsen.
Downing Street had not immediately commented on her resignation.
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