UK PM Starmer Expected to Resign Monday, Observer Reports

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly expected to resign on Monday and set out a timetable for his departure, according to the Observer newspaper. This comes amid significant internal pressure within the Labour party, with four ministers having resigned and over 90 MPs calling for his exit.

Despite the calls for his resignation, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, a close ally of Starmer, stated that no rival candidate currently possesses the 81 backers required to trigger a leadership contest. Lammy urged MPs to cease internal disputes and focus on governing, questioning the viability of any potential challengers.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's office confirmed she would not resign, despite having privately voiced concerns. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, seen as a potential successor, is scheduled to meet Starmer but is not expected to make an immediate statement. Labour grandee Harriet Harman suggested Starmer bring a key rival into his Cabinet to ease tensions. Meanwhile, a Labour peer, Roger Liddle, publicly backed Wes Streeting to lead the party out of its current difficulties.

The political turmoil has also impacted official proceedings, with Buckingham Palace reportedly inquiring whether the King's Speech should proceed as planned amid the government's disarray, highlighting the instability surrounding Starmer's leadership.