UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Faces First Resignation Amid Accusations of Hypocrisy

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration faced its first resignation on Saturday as Labour lawmaker Rosie Duffield exited the party, citing “hypocrisy” over Starmer’s acceptance of free gifts.

In a sharp resignation letter, Duffield criticized Starmer for pursuing policies she deemed “cruel and unnecessary.” She expressed her dismay at the “sleaze, nepotism, and apparent avarice” surrounding the party, especially following reports that Starmer had accepted more than £100,000 in gifts while cutting a £300 winter heating payment for around 10 million pensioners.

“I am so ashamed of what you and your inner circle have done to tarnish and humiliate our once proud party,” Duffield wrote. She described the contradiction of Starmer enjoying expensive gifts while urging the public to tighten their belts as “staggering.” The resignation raises questions about the leadership’s integrity and direction as Starmer’s government grapples with internal dissent.