Signs grow that Starmer will set out timetable to resign as mood in government shifts
BBC News 2026-06-21 10:57:56
Context: The UK government is experiencing a significant shift in mood, with growing signs that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may announce a timetable to resign as early as Monday. This development comes amid increasing pressure from Labour MPs and government insiders, who believe Starmer's personal unpopularity is holding the party back. The recent Makerfield by-election result, in which Andy Burnham won comfortably, has further intensified the pressure on Starmer.
Key Facts
- Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to resign as Prime Minister, with several government insiders now believing he may announce a timetable to quit as early as Monday.
- Business Secretary Peter Kyle has stated that the Prime Minister will do "what is in the best interests of the country," and that Starmer is reflecting on the challenges he faces and the political realities.
- The result of the Makerfield by-election, in which Andy Burnham won comfortably, has been seen as a significant blow to Starmer, with Labour MPs arguing that his personal unpopularity is holding the party back.
- Dozens of Labour MPs, including senior cabinet ministers such as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, have privately told Starmer to go, yet they remain in their jobs, indicating a significant collapse of Starmer's authority.
- Andy Burnham is now the overwhelming favourite to be the UK's next Prime Minister, with some Labour figures suggesting that he could take over as early as the annual Labour conference in late September, although others believe this timetable is too slow and could grind government to a halt.