Keir Starmer has confided in close friends that he intends to resign as Prime Minister and will outline a structured timeline for his departure, according to senior Cabinet sources. A Cabinet member revealed late yesterday that Starmer acknowledges the political reality and the unsustainable chaos, wishing to step down with dignity and on his own terms.
Uncertainty Over Timing
Another Cabinet source indicated that the exact timing of the announcement remains unclear. Some senior Starmer allies have urged him to delay any statement until after the Makerfield by-election, with former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney arguing that if polls show a tight contest or Andy Burnham on course to lose, there might still be a chance. However, a Cabinet supporter warned that waiting for the by-election result risks personal humiliation, as a Burnham win would appear to drive Starmer out of office.
Impact on Burnham Campaign
Ironically, Starmer's announcement could undermine Burnham's bid to return to Westminster. A senior Burnham ally noted that a cleaner contest would see Starmer on the ballot, allowing Burnham to campaign on a promise to remove him from Downing Street. A Burnham spokesman said they were relaxed about the timing, focusing on Burnham's candidacy. But another ally cautioned against complicating the message, preferring to campaign on immediate change at Number 10.
Fluctuating Mood and Betrayal
Throughout the week, Starmer's mood and that of his advisers has swung dramatically. On Monday, after a wave of junior minister resignations, Starmer began to accept the inevitable and consulted senior ministers to map out an orderly transition. However, aggressive briefings from allies of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood provoked fury. One source said Starmer felt he was trying to do the decent thing while being undermined.
Chief Secretary Darren Jones was initially deployed to media rounds to pave the way for a resignation, but received a call from Number 10 to change his line as the position hardened. For 48 hours, Starmer was fortified by a sense of betrayal, particularly towards Mahmood, whose ally Josh Simons had written an article urging an orderly transition. Simons, a former Starmer strategist, wounded the PM deeply.
Decisive Moments
Downing Street saw treachery everywhere, with senior ministers publicly backing Starmer while privately lobbying for his departure. The decisive moment came on Thursday. Number 10 hoped positive economic news and NHS waiting list reductions would regain the agenda. But Chancellor Rachel Reeves's use of 'I' in a BBC interview was seen as decoupling from Starmer. Hours later, Wes Streeting quit the Cabinet, followed by Josh Simons resigning his seat to allow Andy Burnham to return to Parliament.
A desperate last-minute attempt to block Burnham's candidacy via the NEC was thwarted by Deputy Leader Lucy Powell, who organized a swift consultation. Starmer's friend noted his stubbornness and belief in having nine lives, but now recognizes that his final life has been used up.
