UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood demands the sacking of Immigration Minister Mike Tapp

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has asked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to remove Immigration Minister Mike Tapp after he published a Times op‑ed arguing that migrant care workers should be exempt from the government’s plan to double the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. Mahmood says Tapp breached the ministerial code by publicly opposing the policy and breaking collective responsibility.

Downing Street has so far resisted immediate dismissal, stating that Tapp remains in his post. The dispute has exposed a split within Labour’s cabinet as Starmer’s leadership is challenged ahead of an expected transition to Andy Burnham. The settlement proposals would also extend the wait for care‑visa holders to up to 15 years, prompting criticism from unions and many Labour MPs. Tapp has responded on social media that he will not be intimidated and defended his stance as a “better approach”. The row is being watched as a test of Starmer’s authority and the cohesion of the government’s immigration reform agenda.