Key facts
- Keir Starmer's leadership is facing scrutiny at the G7 summit amid domestic political challenges.
- Allies are reportedly concerned about Starmer's future as leader, with potential successor Andy Burnham posing an unknown quantity internationally.
- Resignations of defense ministers John Healey and Al Carns have intensified pressure on Starmer.
- Starmer aims to highlight UK leadership on Ukraine and securing the Strait of Hormuz.
- International diplomats acknowledge Starmer's support for Ukraine but express uncertainty about his domestic standing and potential successors.
Keir Starmer is attending the G7 summit in France amidst significant domestic political pressure and concerns about his leadership. Allies are reportedly exchanging nervous glances regarding his future, particularly following the resignations of Defense Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. These departures have sharpened the sense that Starmer's time as leader may be limited, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirming he will seek the top job if he wins an upcoming by-election.
Starmer has stated he will not step down without a fight, but Healey's parting letter, accusing the prime minister of being unable to adequately fund the armed forces, challenges Starmer's narrative of maturity and stability on the world stage.
While international summits have often been a refuge for Starmer, where he has been applauded for his support of Ukraine and efforts to maintain relationships with the U.S. and EU, current and former diplomats from the U.S. and several EU nations noted a decline in his standing. They expressed uncertainty about his potential successor, Burnham.
Starmer is expected to use the summit to highlight the UK's leadership on Ukraine and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Officials from NATO's eastern flank and European nations have acknowledged Starmer's solidarity with Kyiv and his role in building international support for Ukraine, with some feeling he has not received enough credit domestically.
However, a U.S. official suggested the transatlantic relationship, already strained by Starmer's stance on bombing Iran, could deteriorate further under Burnham. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she is working closely with Starmer on international issues, but her comments on his suitability to lead the country were notably cautious.
International partners are aware that domestic fortunes impact foreign policy, and the resignations have drawn attention to Starmer's leadership vulnerabilities. Some diplomats expressed hope he would remain but acknowledged that strong support for Ukraine might not be solely dependent on him, with one stating that domestic weakness inevitably translates to international weakness.
Concerns also surround Burnham's potential foreign policy approach, described by officials as a "huge question mark" and a source of "stress." Burnham himself has indicated a focus on domestic priorities and potentially fewer foreign trips than Starmer, though he has also vowed to cut welfare to fund defense and prioritize British firms.