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There is increasing speculation that the prime minister may reveal plans to resign as early as Monday. Despite Sir Keir Starmer’s consistent stance that he intends to resist any leadership challenges and remain in position, the atmosphere within the government has shifted noticeably over the last two days. Several insiders suggest that an announcement setting out a timetable for the prime minister’s departure could come imminently.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle, speaking to the BBC, indicated that developments are accelerating rapidly. He commented that the prime minister would act in “the best interests of the country” while acknowledging that Sir Keir is contemplating the difficult political realities he faces. The prime minister’s challenges have been mounting for a considerable period, with Labour MPs highlighting that their main difficulty lies not in the party itself but in Starmer’s personal unpopularity, which they believe is hindering progress.
The recent Makerfield by-election results appear to have heightened tensions. Andy Burnham’s decisive victory over the Reform party has bolstered calls for change within Labour. For those MPs who have been critical of Starmer’s leadership, Burnham now emerges as a serious contender given his proven success in combating the rise of Nigel Farage’s party. Many senior cabinet members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, have privately urged the prime minister to step down. Their decision to remain in their roles despite their calls underscores the erosion of Starmer’s authority.
With Burnham viewed as the clear favorite to succeed, questions are emerging about whether any leadership contest would occur if Starmer resigns shortly. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has previously stated his intention to stand, but his supporters are now advocating talks between potential candidates about the future direction of the party. There is some speculation that an agreement might be reached to avoid a divisive contest, though Streeting’s camp insists their position has not formally changed.
Debate is also ongoing about the timing of the leadership change. While some members of Burnham’s team favor a transition near the Labour Party’s annual conference in late September, allowing more preparation time, others argue that such a delay would be disruptive. They fear a prolonged interim period could stall the government and generate damaging speculation. As one minister put it, Burnham’s chance to define his leadership could be undermined by ongoing uncertainty.
Another significant point of discussion is who Burnham would appoint as chancellor should he become prime minister. The choice seemed to be between Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, and Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary. Currently, Mahmood is expected to retain her position, while the possibility of Miliband’s appointment has sparked considerable concern among Labour’s right wing. A minister remarked, “If he picks Miliband, about 100 Labour MPs will be furious from the outset.” This criticism is echoed by Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite trade union, who has publicly advised against Miliband’s appointment.
Over the weekend, Burnham and his team have maintained a low profile to allow Sir Keir space to reflect on the Makerfield election result and determine his next steps. There is growing evidence that Starmer is indeed reconsidering his future. The coming days promise to be pivotal, with significant implications for both the Labour Party and the country as a whole
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