Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation plan on Monday, paving the way for Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, who spent the weekend at Chequers considering his political future, has been under mounting pressure from cabinet members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, to set out a timetable for his departure.
Cabinet Pressure Mounts
Senior government figures now expect Starmer to announce both his resignation and details of his succession plan. Cabinet ministers say Starmer will set out his intentions outside No 10 Downing Street on Monday, starting a process that would see the UK install its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Starmer's position as PM looked increasingly untenable after Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, won the seat with a significant majority, further intensifying calls for Starmer to step aside.
Burnham Set to Become MP
After winning the Makerfield by-election, Mr Burnham is due to be sworn in as the Greater Manchester constituency's MP on Monday. This move clears the constitutional path for him to potentially take over as Prime Minister.
According to reports, Sir Keir has been told by members of his Cabinet that he should set out a timetable for his departure. The pressure has been building for weeks, but the by-election result appears to have been the final straw.
What Happens Next?
The exact timeline for Starmer's resignation and the subsequent leadership contest remains unclear. However, sources indicate that an announcement could come as early as Monday afternoon. The Labour Party will need to elect a new leader, with Andy Burnham widely seen as the frontrunner.
This story is developing. More updates to follow.
