Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister later today, following intense pressure from Labour MPs who want Andy Burnham to take over. The Manchester mayor's decisive victory in last week's Makerfield byelection has cemented his position as the party's preferred leader.
More than 200 Labour MPs are reportedly willing to nominate Burnham for the leadership, making a coronation seem inevitable. Senior cabinet members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, have urged Starmer to step aside in an orderly fashion to avoid the chaos seen in recent Tory leadership contests.
Starmer's allies had previously briefed that he was determined to fight any leadership challenge, but the mood has shifted dramatically. Official Downing Street statements that he was 'not going to walk away' have been contradicted by reports of his imminent departure.
Donald Trump added to the pressure by posting that Starmer 'will resign' and wishing him well, causing embarrassment for Downing Street. The timing of the announcement is crucial, with a cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow where resignations were expected if Starmer did not step down.
Burnham has remained silent, but is expected in Westminster today. The Labour party appears keen to avoid the infighting that plagued the Conservatives, seeking a dignified transition to a new leader.
