Following Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, speculation has intensified that Sir Keir Starmer could resign as Prime Minister as early as today, Monday, June 22, 2026. While Downing Street has not yet made a formal declaration, political correspondents and major UK outlets report that Starmer spent the weekend drafting an exit speech after facing immense internal pressure from the Labour Party.
Starmer's Expected Resignation Timetable
Keir Starmer is widely expected to announce a timetable for his resignation today. Andy Burnham, the highly popular former Mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield seat by a massive margin, clearing his path to enter Parliament. Burnham is scheduled to be officially sworn in as an MP today, putting him in a direct position to challenge Starmer for the leadership.
Facing the threat of a full-scale Cabinet revolt at Tuesday's scheduled meeting, Starmer is expected to step out onto Downing Street today to outline an orderly transition of power rather than face being forced out.
Trump's Premature Announcement
Bizarrely, over the weekend US President Donald Trump sent out a message on his social media platform, Truth Social, seemingly announcing Starmer's resignation without Downing Street officially confirming it. Trump wrote: "Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects - IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT"
What Happens Next?
Autumn Handover
The most likely scenario being discussed is that Starmer will announce his intention to step down but remain in office until the autumn. This would give the party time to organise a smooth transition before the Labour Party conference in late September.
A New Prime Minister
Because Labour holds a commanding majority in Parliament, whoever succeeds Starmer as Labour leader will automatically become the next UK Prime Minister without requiring a general election. Andy Burnham is currently the frontrunner, with some speculating a "coronation" without a formal contest, though other figures like former Health Secretary Wes Streeting have also indicated an interest in running.
