Keir Starmer is on the brink of announcing his departure from Downing Street as Andy Burnham prepares to return to Westminster following his by-election victory. With support draining from the Prime Minister, he spent the weekend at Chequers weighing his future. A senior Cabinet minister failed to dismiss claims that Mr Starmer could announce his resignation as early as Monday.
Cabinet Minister's Comments Fuel Speculation
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the embattled PM was “taking time to think through what the political realities are today compared to last week”. He added: “I can’t predict the future. I don’t know what’s going to unfold in the days that lie ahead. I don’t know the decisions he will make on behalf of our country as he considers these issues and then makes decisions.” Pressed on whether the Labour Party was entering a period of transition, he told the BBC: “Well, I don’t want to come on here and be delusional that there is no process, that there are no forces at work that are challenging the Prime Minister as leader. That is clearly the case.”
Allies Call for Calm as Reports Emerge
One ally later told The Mirror: “My understanding is that PM is still genuinely deciding and taking advice.” The source called for calm, adding: “It’s not in the country or party's interest to tear ourselves apart or brief against each other in public.” There were also reports on Sunday evening that Mr Starmer's exit timetable could include staying in post until Labour's conference in September.
Trump Issues Parting Shot
In an extraordinary intervention, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom.” He then launched into a tirade about Starmer's failures, writing: “He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!”
Cabinet Ministers Urge PM to Go
Downing Street claimed on Sunday morning that the Prime Minister’s position remains unchanged since Friday when he set out his determination to fight on. But the mood appeared to deteriorate over the weekend after a series of Cabinet ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, urged the PM to go in private conversations. Mr Starmer was said to be spending the weekend talking over his future with his wife, Vic, at Chequers.
Former Aide Comments on Starmer's State of Mind
Luke Sullivan, a former aide to Mr Starmer, told The Mirror: “She [Vic] is a key sounding board and somebody he trusts, loves and respects very deeply. I suspect what the Prime Minister has done has spent the weekend on the phone with colleagues, advisers, and had some time with his family just to digest what I think is a very sad situation.” He praised the PM for his thumping election victory in 2024 and for putting the country first, but added: “All the indications are he is likely to make an announcement in the next 24 hours that he’s accepted the political reality he finds himself in, which is very sadly that his leadership is not sustainable.”
No Public Comment from Starmer
There was no public comment from the Prime Minister on Sunday on his future from the 16th-century mansion in the Buckinghamshire countryside. But he posted on X for Father's Day, saying: “Being a dad is my greatest joy. Today, I’m thinking about my dad, and the father I am to my children because of him.”
Burnham Returns to Commons as Leadership Speculation Mounts
Mr Burnham, triumphant from his victory in the Makerfield by-election last week, is expected to be sworn into the Commons on Monday. He has called on Mr Starmer via his allies to set out an orderly transfer of power and avoid a bloody Labour leadership contest. One Labour MP supporting Mr Burnham told The Mirror the Prime Minister had now “lost authority to govern”. They said the ex-Greater Manchester Mayor has the numbers among Labour MPs with a “coronation” for the leadership now more likely. The Burnham backer suggested “any challenge would be futile”.
Streeting Allies Prepare for Contest
But Wes Streeting’s allies are preparing for a leadership contest which would prevent Mr Burnham being given a coronation. A source said: “Wes has always been very clear that his priority is change and that means a change in No10. At the moment he thinks the route to do that is to be a candidate in a leadership contest. He’s got the people, he’s ready to go.”
Labour Figures React
Former minister Jess Phillips, a supporter of Mr Streeting, earlier told the BBC on Mr Starmer’s future: “It feels like we’ve come to the end of the road. And actually it just being as dignified as possible and allowed to be in Keir Starmer’s gift a little bit does seem like the very best solution - rather than next week just being an enormous bun fight of everybody having a big row.” Labour peer and former Cabinet minister Lord John Hutton said a change in leadership now appeared “certain”. “We are clearly now at a moment of transition - that’s very obvious to everyone,” he said. He added: “It’s a horrendously difficult position that Keir finds himself and I agree very much with what Peter [Kyle] said. I’m sure Keir will make a decision that is right for the country.”
