UK PM Keir Starmer Faces Crisis After Deputy's Resignation and Cabinet Reshuffle
London - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a political crisis one year after his landslide election win, following the resignation of his deputy over unpaid taxes and a cabinet reshuffle. The situation has also drawn criticism from the far-right Reform UK party over migration policies.
According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister Rachel Reeves resigned on Tuesday due to an investigation into her tax affairs, which revealed she had failed to pay £10,000 in taxes. Starmer was forced to reshuffle his cabinet, appointing a new deputy and several other ministers.
The crisis comes as the Reform UK party has been gaining momentum in polls, criticizing Starmer's government for its handling of migration issues. "We've seen a complete failure by the Starmer administration to address the root causes of migration," said James Hartley, leader of the Reform UK party. "Their policies are only making things worse."
Jonathan Tonge, professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, attributed the crisis to internal party dynamics. "The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Rachel Reeves has exposed deeper issues within the Starmer administration," he said. "It's a sign that the party is struggling to maintain cohesion and discipline."
Mark Devenport, freelance journalist and former BBC Northern Ireland political editor, pointed out that the situation also reflects broader challenges facing the UK government. "The crisis highlights the difficulties in implementing effective policies on migration and taxation," he said.
Peter Geoghegan, a political commentator and author, noted that the Reform UK party's rise is a symptom of a larger issue - public dissatisfaction with the Starmer administration's performance. "Reform UK's success is not just about their policies, but also about the failure of the Starmer government to deliver on its promises," he said.
The current situation has sparked concerns among opposition parties and analysts, who warn that the crisis could have far-reaching consequences for the UK government. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Starmer will navigate this challenging period and address the criticisms from within and outside his party.
Background: Keir Starmer's landslide election win in 2024 marked a significant shift in British politics, with his Labour Party securing a majority in Parliament. However, since then, the government has faced criticism over its handling of key issues such as migration, taxation, and economic policy.
Additional perspectives:
Jonathan Tonge: "The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Rachel Reeves is a sign that the Starmer administration is struggling to maintain cohesion and discipline."
Mark Devenport: "The crisis highlights the difficulties in implementing effective policies on migration and taxation."
Peter Geoghegan: "Reform UK's success is not just about their policies, but also about the failure of the Starmer government to deliver on its promises."
Current status: The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations into Rachel Reeves' tax affairs and the cabinet reshuffle. As the Reform UK party continues to gain momentum in polls, it remains to be seen how Keir Starmer will address these criticisms and maintain his government's stability.
Next developments: The outcome of the investigation into Rachel Reeves' tax affairs is expected to have significant implications for the Starmer administration. Analysts predict that if the government fails to address its critics' concerns, it could lead to further instability and potentially even a leadership challenge within the Labour Party.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*