UK PM Starmer under pressure to quit, may announce resignation on Monday

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to set out a timetable for his departure from office following intense pressure from within his own party.

That pressure tipped on Friday after Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, won a by-election that would allow him to ​launch a formal leadership challenge.

Starmer is understood to have reached the conclusion that his position is no longer tenable after conversations in recent days with cabinet ministers, Downing Street advisers, trade union leaders, and party donors.

Citing Labour officials, The Observer newspaper reported that a “clear statement” could come as early as Monday, although Starmer is said to be spending the weekend discussing his future with his wife.

According to the paper, one labour grandee said the prime minister now appeared “resigned” to stepping down.

“He’s come up hard against the reality that the support isn’t there,” the source said.

“The truth is everyone knows this is no longer a tenable proposition. There’s a sadness about it all, of course, but sometimes there’s just an inevitability in politics and as Boris Johnson said, ‘When the herd moves it moves’.”

On Sunday, Peter Kyle, business secretary, said he had a “thoughtful” conversation with the prime minister on Friday, but declined to say what was discussed as it was “private”.

Kyle said he did not know for sure what was about to happen but noted that Starmer is weighing his future — reflecting on political reality and the challenges he faces.

Kyle said the prime minister will do “what is in the best interests of the country”.

Earlier, Downing Street brushed off the reports, saying Starmer was “getting on with the job” and that his position of being “determined to fight for his job” had not changed.

Starmer was elected prime minister of the UK on July 5, 2024, after the Labour Party achieved a landslide victory in the general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. (TheCable)