Key facts
- Keir Starmer is reportedly expected to announce his resignation as UK Prime Minister.
- Pressure from Labour MPs is mounting for Starmer to step down.
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as a potential successor.
- Burnham recently won the Makerfield byelection, bolstering his leadership credentials.
- Donald Trump commented on Starmer's anticipated resignation.
Keir Starmer, the current UK Prime Minister, is reportedly on the verge of announcing his resignation following intense pressure from within the Labour party. This development follows Andy Burnham's recent decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection, which has amplified his standing as a potential leader capable of challenging right-wing opposition. Senior political correspondent Peter Walker's reporting suggests that Starmer's departure is imminent, a view seemingly corroborated by comments from Donald Trump.
Despite previous indications that Starmer intended to fight any leadership challenge, a shift in sentiment among Labour MPs appears to have made his position untenable. Over 200 MPs are reportedly ready to nominate Burnham, suggesting a potential coronation rather than a contest. Several senior cabinet members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, have urged Starmer to facilitate an orderly transition.
Burnham's supporters are advocating for a transition period that would see him in place by the party conference on September 27. This timeline would allow Starmer to attend the upcoming Nato summit in Turkey, where he has been recognized for his adept handling of international relations. The extended handover would also provide Burnham with time to formulate his cabinet and policy priorities, addressing a perceived weakness in Starmer's Downing Street communications strategy.
The debate continues regarding whether a leadership contest would be more democratic, allowing for a thorough reflection on Starmer's tenure, which led Labour to a significant majority less than two years ago. Some, like Business Secretary Peter Kyle, have expressed a general preference for contests but stressed the need for a dignified process. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, however, argued in the Sunday Times that contests strengthen a leader's mandate. There are also discussions about the party's history of not electing a woman to the top leadership position, with some urging Yvette Cooper to stand.