Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering announcing his intention to resign as Labour leader as early as Monday, according to multiple sources. The Prime Minister, who earlier this week insisted he would fight any leadership challenge, is now said to be weighing up his future after a series of political setbacks.
Reports of imminent resignation
The Observer and other outlets have reported that Starmer is thinking about standing down on Monday. This comes despite his strong statement on Friday that he would not 'walk away' and would stand in any Labour leadership contest triggered by Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. He had warned that such a contest would 'plunge us into chaos' and urged the party to 'pull together' for the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.
Cabinet pressure mounts
Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC on Sunday morning that the Prime Minister would do 'what is in the best interests of the country', adding that Starmer was reflecting on the challenges he faces and political realities. It is now reported that senior cabinet ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, have told the prime minister to go, yet they remain in their posts.
100 MPs call for resignation
Currently, 100 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer's resignation. Even former US President Donald Trump has weighed in, claiming that 'he will resign' and criticizing his record on immigration and energy.
Potential transition plan
However, one source told The Independent that Sir Keir is discussing a plan that would see him remain in charge until September, then hand over to Andy Burnham. The former Greater Manchester mayor is understood to want to wait until September to become prime minister.
