Donald Trump has delivered a brutal verdict on Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, stating on Truth Social that the Prime Minister 'failed badly' on immigration and energy and predicting his resignation. The US president's remarks come as Starmer is widely expected to announce his resignation on Monday, June 22, with an autumn exit seen as likely.
Trump's Truth Social Attack
Writing on his social media platform, Trump said: 'Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT.' The post, which has been widely shared, is seen as a significant blow to Starmer's already precarious position.
Trump's criticism focuses on two key areas: immigration policy and energy strategy. The former president has long advocated for stricter border controls and increased domestic oil production, positions that align with his critique of Starmer's record.
Pressure from By-Election Defeat
The mounting pressure on Starmer intensified after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election, which saw the Greater Manchester mayor return to Westminster. Burnham's success has been interpreted as a sign of waning support for Starmer's leadership within the Labour Party, with many MPs now openly calling for a change.
Reports suggest that Starmer will address the nation on Monday to announce his resignation plans. An autumn exit is being mooted as the most likely timeline, allowing for a leadership contest to take place before the next general election.
Starmer's Expected Announcement
According to sources close to Downing Street, the Prime Minister is preparing to step down after a series of setbacks, including poor polling numbers and internal party dissent. The by-election defeat in Makerfield, a traditionally safe Labour seat, is seen as the final straw.
Starmer's resignation would mark the end of a tumultuous tenure that began with high hopes for the Labour Party's revival. Under his leadership, Labour has struggled to gain traction against the Conservative government, with key policy areas such as immigration and energy proving particularly challenging.
Reactions and Implications
Political analysts have noted that Trump's intervention is unusual but reflects the former president's continued influence on global politics. His comments are likely to further destabilise Starmer's position, as they provide ammunition for critics both within and outside the Labour Party.
The resignation is expected to trigger a leadership contest, with several potential candidates already being mentioned, including Andy Burnham, Rachel Reeves, and Wes Streeting. The outcome of the contest will have significant implications for the Labour Party's direction and its chances in the next general election.
As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on Downing Street for Starmer's expected statement. The Prime Minister's departure would mark a significant shift in the UK political landscape, with potential ramifications for Brexit policy, economic strategy, and international relations.
