Keir Starmer could announce his resignation as early as Monday
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, is expected to announce the timetable for his departure from office on Monday morning, which could pave the way for Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister without a formal leadership contest as early as this autumn, reports The Guardian.
According to government sources, Starmer is set to publicly announce his intentions outside 10 Downing Street. This could set in motion a change in the country’s leadership and the appointment of the UK’s seventh prime minister in the last decade.
As recently as Friday, Downing Street officials insisted that Starmer was not backing down from his intention to contest the leadership, despite the expected challenge from Andy Burnham, who has returned to Westminster following a convincing victory in the Makerfield by-election.
However, the situation changed after more than half a dozen Cabinet ministers privately made it clear to the Prime Minister that his time was running out. A tense government meeting scheduled for Tuesday also added to the pressure. Starmer spent the weekend at his country residence, Chequers, where, according to sources, he was finalising a possible resignation plan.
Among the possible scenarios, the most likely is that he will remain in office until the autumn. This would allow the new leader to unite the Labour Party ahead of the annual conference at the end of September.
According to sources, following the results of the vote in Makerfield, Starmer has not yet discussed his plans with Andy Burnham.
One Cabinet minister stated that September appears to be the most logical option for both Starmer and Burnham. He said that Burnham’s team needs time to prepare for the work at Downing Street, whilst this would give Starmer himself the opportunity to organise an orderly exit.
It remains unclear whether Bernam will be the sole candidate or whether other contenders will enter the race.
Wes Streeting is mentioned among the possible rivals. Last week, he stated that he was ready to contest the leadership and had the support of 81 MPs. His allies maintain that this plan remains on the table.
However, an increasing number of MPs suggest that Stritting may not stand for election due to a lack of support or a reluctance to complicate the handover process.
The emergence of other candidates, particularly women from the current government, cannot be ruled out.
Government sources believe that autumn remains the most likely timeframe for a change of leadership. At the same time, a later scenario is unlikely due to the need to prepare for the important budget at the end of the year.
Preliminary preparations for a possible handover have already begun. Darren Jones, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, held a meeting with Louise Hay, a member of Burnam’s core team.
A statement by US President Donald Trump caused further a stir. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that Keir Starmer would step down as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, criticising his policies on migration and energy.
Following the by-election in Makerfield, Starmer managed to avoid any high-profile resignations from the Cabinet; however, according to sources, seven ministers had already urged him, following the May local elections, to consider his future for the sake of the party and the country.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who is regarded as an ally of Starmer, acknowledged that political pressure on the Prime Minister is mounting.
He stated that the process within the party is ongoing, and the challenges facing the Prime Minister’s leadership are clear. According to Kyle, Starmer is carefully weighing up the country’s interests.
He also emphasised that the Labour Party is entering a period of political uncertainty and must navigate it by prioritising the interests of the state.
