Read Tom Rutland’s statement in full after quitting as ministerial aide amid mounting pressure on Starmer

Three government aides resigned on Monday, urging the Prime Minister to set a timetable for his departure following disastrous local election results.

Tom Rutland from PPS Environment Minister Emma Reynolds was among them.

Health Minister Wes Streeting and Cabinet Office PPS Naushabah Khan’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS) Joe Morris also resigned.

Their exit comes as scores of Labor MPs called for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down.

Here is Tom Rutland’s full statement

“I am sorry to say that the Prime Minister must now set a timetable for his departure and the selection of a new leader to lead Labor and the country.

“Last week I saw brilliant councilors lose their seats through no fault of their own.

“Speaking repeatedly to voters on their doorsteps, I heard little distaste for local councilors or Labor, but the hostility towards the Prime Minister was clear from every voter who chose to vote for another party or was considering doing so.

“This reminds me of the reaction I got when I spoke to voters under a former leader.

“It is clear to me that the Prime Minister has lost his authority, not just within the Labor Party but across the country, and cannot regain that authority.

“This significantly hinders the Government’s ability to deliver the change that people voted for in the general election, the change that we need to deliver.

“We also have a generational responsibility to prevent Reformation hatred and divisiveness from taking over our great country.

“This is weighing heavily on me and we must all do what we can to prevent this from happening.

“I have no faith that the Prime Minister can meet this challenge.

“It is inappropriate to hold this view and continue to serve on the front bench, which is why I have resigned as parliamentary private secretary to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and will continue to represent my wonderful constituents in East Worthing and Shoreham from the backbenches.”