Starmer reportedly 'resigned' to stepping down as Burnham allies grow confident of 'coronation'
The PM faces a "hard deadline" of Tuesday's cabinet meeting to set out a timetable for his departure, with a senior ally giving only a "25% chance he fights on" and ministers being told the "game is up."
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Sir Keir Starmer could set out a timetable for his resignation as early as Monday, according to reports, as pressure builds following Andy Burnham's landslide Makerfield victory.
The Prime Minister is spending the weekend at Chequers considering his future. Allies have told The Sunday Telegraph that he has realised the "game is up" and is planning how to "shore up his legacy." A senior Starmer ally told The Sun there is "just a 25% chance he fights on now."
The Observer reported that a "clear statement" on his departure could come as early as Monday. Insiders told The Independent he faces a "hard deadline" of Tuesday morning's cabinet meeting, with one government figure warning: "If he does not resign, we could end up in mass resignation territory."
Downing Street denied the reports on Saturday night, pointing to Starmer's words of defiance on Friday when he insisted he would fight.
What are Burnham's allies saying?
Burnham allies are reportedly growing confident he will be "crowned" prime minister rather than face a prolonged contest. One told The Guardian: "We passed every single ridiculous test that they set. We smashed through every single ceiling. There couldn't be a clearer message."
They added: "This is an existential crisis for us."
Pro-Burnham ministers have been told by his team "not to resign" but instead to tell Starmer "in no uncertain terms that he needs to set out a timetable." One Burnham camp insider told The Sunday Times: "Don't get trigger happy, right? Go and speak to him."
Ministers who have already told Starmer he should step down reportedly include Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds.
What would a Burnham government look like?
The Sunday Times reports that Rachel Reeves would lose her job as Chancellor if Burnham takes over, with the Burnham camp deciding that keeping her would not "represent a sufficient change in direction." Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting and Pat McFadden have all been floated as potential replacements.
What about the Greater Manchester mayoral race?
The Green Party has announced councillor Geraldine Coggins as its candidate for the July 30 mayoral by-election. Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe said his Restore party would also stand a candidate.
Labour is pitching the contest as a two-horse race against Reform UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Keir Starmer facing pressure to resign?
- More than 100 Labour MPs and several Cabinet ministers are reportedly urging the Prime Minister to step down following Andy Burnham's landslide by-election victory in Makerfield.
- Did Andy Burnham win the Makerfield by-election?
- Yes, the former Greater Manchester Mayor won the Makerfield seat in a landslide victory, marking his return to Westminster as a Member of Parliament.
- Will there be a Labour leadership contest?
- It remains uncertain. While Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any challenge, allies of Andy Burnham are reportedly trying to gather enough support to install him as leader without a formal contest.