Sir Keir Starmer's allies believe he is preparing to step down after his support disappeared over the weekend, according to a senior government figure. The prime minister has begun to realise the 'game is up' with 'quite a bit of movement' among Cabinet ministers in the wake of Andy Burnham's sweeping Makerfield by-election victory, the source told The Telegraph.
Starmer's Legacy Concerns
The senior government figure said Starmer's thoughts have now turned to how he could 'shore up his legacy.' One Labour MP, usually considered a Starmer loyalist, said he believed Sir Keir would announce his departure date as soon as Monday, given that his support among MPs was now down to only a handful of 'friends and family.'
'There's no one left. Literally people whose relatives work in No 10 or people who are long-term personal friends of Keir's are pretty much the only ones left,' they said, describing the act of trying to fight Mr Burnham's path to Downing Street 'like trying to fight gravity.'
By-Election Impact
Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election has been a major catalyst for the shift in sentiment. The result has emboldened those within the party who believe a change in leadership is necessary to revive Labour's fortunes. The by-election saw a significant swing towards Burnham, a former Labour leadership contender and current Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Cabinet Movement
The senior government figure noted 'quite a bit of movement' among Cabinet ministers, suggesting that key figures are repositioning themselves ahead of a potential leadership contest. Several ministers are believed to be considering their own bids or backing Burnham as the next leader.
What's Next for Starmer
If Starmer announces his resignation on Monday, it would trigger a leadership election within the Labour Party. The timetable for such a contest would be determined by the party's National Executive Committee. Potential candidates include Andy Burnham, as well as other prominent Labour figures such as Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves, and David Lammy.
Starmer's departure would mark the end of a premiership that began in July 2024 following Labour's landslide general election victory. His tenure has been marked by internal party divisions, economic challenges, and controversies over policy direction.
