Sir Keir Starmer faces renewed internal pressure following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey on Thursday. Healey's departure marks a significant setback for the Labour leader, just days before he is set to attend the G7 summit in France.

The resignation comes after a period of relative calm following the party's electoral results, which had temporarily subdued internal dissent. The issue at the heart of the current unrest is the government's Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which Healey argued falls "well short" of the necessary spending to adequately protect the country.

Healey's letter of resignation to Sir Keir Starmer explicitly stated his concerns about the proposed level of military expenditure. The DIP was intended to be a key announcement showcasing the government's direction and delivery, intended to draw a contrast with potential rivals within the party. However, critics, including Healey, now view it as a failure to address critical national security needs.

This development places Sir Keir Starmer in a difficult position as he prepares for international discussions at the G7 summit. His new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, faces the immediate challenge of addressing concerns from international allies at an upcoming Nato defence ministers meeting, where he will have to explain the government's spending plans.

Adding to the turmoil, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned on Thursday. Carns, a former soldier, gave television interviews stating his intention to "steady the ship" before resigning just an hour later. This rapid sequence of resignations has amplified concerns about the stability and direction of the party's leadership.

Potential leadership challengers, such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, are observing these events closely. The ongoing dissent and resignations raise questions about Sir Keir Starmer's ability to maintain unity and effectively implement his policy agenda, particularly in critical areas like national defence.

The timing of these resignations, so close to a major international summit, highlights the internal challenges facing the Labour leadership. The party now needs to address these criticisms and demonstrate a clear path forward on defence policy to regain confidence both domestically and internationally.

Sir Keir Starmer's premiership is under scrutiny as he works to consolidate his position and project an image of strong leadership. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can overcome this latest wave of dissent and effectively govern.