Starmer considers resignation as cabinet mutiny grows after Burnham by-election victory
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the prime minister is reflecting on 'political realities' after Andy Burnham's by-election win, with reports that Starmer could announce a resignation timetable on Monday.
The trigger: Burnham's by-election win
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a decisive margin, nearly doubling Labour's majority and securing a parliamentary seat from which to mount a leadership challenge. In his victory speech, Burnham warned the party had a "final chance to change".
Starmer's defiant stance crumbles
On Friday morning, Starmer told reporters he would fight any contest.
But by Friday evening the mood had shifted. The Observer reported Starmer was discussing his future with his wife at Chequers, and senior Labour figures expected a statement as soon as Monday.If there is a contest, I will stand, and I've said repeatedly I'm not going to walk away.
Cabinet ministers turn
Business Secretary Peter Kyle, a close ally, told the BBC on Sunday that Starmer was "taking the time to think through what the political realities are today compared to last week."
Meanwhile, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, energy secretary Ed Miliband, home secretary Shabana Mahmood and transport secretary Heidi Alexander have all reportedly told Starmer to set an exit timetable. Over 100 Labour MPs have called for his resignation.The prime minister was calm. He was thoughtful. He led the conversation. He was thinking about what is best for the country.
Timeline of the crisis
- Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, gaining a parliamentary seat.
- Starmer says he will fight any leadership challenge.
- Reports emerge that Starmer is discussing resignation with his wife at Chequers.
- Business Secretary Peter Kyle says Starmer is reflecting on 'political realities'; cabinet ministers urge him to set an exit timetable.
- Tuesday cabinet meeting deadline: Starmer risks mass resignations if he does not announce a departure plan.
What happens next
Starmer faces a Tuesday morning cabinet deadline to announce a departure plan or risk a wave of ministerial resignations. If he resigns, Burnham is widely expected to become Labour leader and prime minister. The UK would have its seventh prime minister in a decade.
