Sir Keir Starmer is set to make a "clear statement" on Monday regarding his future, according to sources, amid reports that the Prime Minister will announce his resignation following Labour MP Andy Burnham's decisive by-election victory in Makerfield.
Starmer to Outline Departure Timetable
The Observer reports that Starmer is preparing to set out a timetable for his departure from No 10 this week. The Prime Minister, who secured a landslide election victory in 2024, has reportedly concluded that his position is no longer tenable after discussions with cabinet ministers, Downing Street advisers, trade union leaders, and party donors.
Starmer is spending the weekend at Chequers with his wife, Victoria, deliberating his next steps. However, senior Labour figures anticipate a "clear statement" could come as early as Monday. One Labour peer insisted Starmer would not "walk away" abruptly, but would "arrange a deliberate slow march in good order, as a matter of duty and dignity."
Reasons Behind the Decision
A friend of Starmer stated: "I think he sees the realities. Stopping 'chaos' (as he rightly put it) is now not possible by staying, so that only leaves one option. I think he has come to see it as the dutiful option to serve the country and the party." Another Labour grandee described the Prime Minister as "resigned" to stepping down, saying: "He's come up hard against the reality that the support isn't there. The truth is everyone knows this is no longer a tenable proposition."
Concerns Over Leadership Battle
A cabinet minister noted that Starmer is "calmly going through things" and focusing on what is best for the country. The Prime Minister is reportedly worried that a leadership battle could plunge the party and government into chaos. A senior ally estimated only a "25 per cent chance he fights on now."
Starmer's decision follows recent conversations with key stakeholders, and he is weighing the impact of his departure on the stability of the Labour government. The statement on Monday is expected to clarify the timeline for his resignation and the subsequent leadership process.
