The Labour Party has descended into open division over Sir Keir Starmer’s future, as three ministers resigned and joined at least 80 MPs urging him to quit, while more than 100 others warned against a leadership contest.
Prominent MP Jess Phillips was among the three junior ministers to exit Sir Keir’s government, piling pressure on him to go.
The Labour leader vowed to fight on at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, and was publicly backed by several loyal ministers.
And a statement understood to have been signed by more than 100 Labour MPs urged colleagues to come together.
The statement seen by the Press Association says: “Last week we had a devastatingly tough set of election results. It shows we have a hard job ahead to win back trust from the electorate.
“That job needs to start today – with all of us working together to deliver the change the country needs.
“We must focus on that. This is no time for a leadership contest.”
Meanwhile, a planned Tuesday afternoon meeting between the Prime Minister and leaders of the unions affiliated to Labour – the so-called Tulo group – has been cancelled.
Read MoreMore than 100 Labour MPs urge PM not to resign after ministers join revolt - latest
