Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister as early as Monday, according to reports. The beleaguered prime minister is said to recognize that “things are bad” after Labour leadership rival Andy Burnham’s stunning by-election victory in Makerfield.
Starmer’s position untenable after Burnham’s landslide
Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, secured a massive victory, winning more votes than the other 13 candidates combined. He is being sworn in as MP for Makerfield on Monday morning, and a showdown with Starmer is expected soon after, with Burnham reportedly set to demand a handover of power.
Starmer had previously stated he would stand in a leadership contest if one were triggered. However, he is reportedly using the weekend to consider his future, including whether he can build enough support to challenge Burnham. Sources told The Sun that Starmer has concluded his position is no longer tenable after discussions with Cabinet colleagues, advisers, union leaders, and key Labour donors.
Growing calls for resignation
Labour grandee Charlie Falconer criticized Starmer on Saturday, saying he has “no authority” and should hand over power to Burnham. Falconer told the BBC: “I think we have to move as quickly as possible to resolve the position. It is completely unmaintainable for the country. We have a Prime Minister who’s got absolutely no authority. There should be an agreed transition process in which Andy and Keir co-operate as to when the handover should take place.”
One source described Starmer as “very isolated,” while another senior source told The Sun: “I think there is just a 25 per cent chance he fights on now.” Reports also suggest Burnham could trigger a “tsunami” of ministerial resignations to force Starmer out if he refuses to quit.
Weekend of reflection at Chequers
Starmer is spending the weekend at his country retreat Chequers with his wife Victoria, discussing his future. He has not yet made a final decision, but sources indicate he is weighing up “what is best for the country.” A Labour frontbencher added: “The PM just doesn’t have many friends left. It is about Keir Starmer. He is the problem. If Andy Burnham wasn’t challenging him, someone else would be.”
Starmer is under pressure to make his intentions clear before Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. The prime minister’s allies have not commented on the reports, but the mood within Labour is said to be one of inevitability regarding a change in leadership.
