Sir Keir Starmer is taking time to assess the new political landscape following Andy Burnham's decisive by-election victory, a cabinet ally has revealed, signaling that the prime minister may be preparing to step down.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that Starmer is "thinking through what the political realities are today" and that any decision he makes will prioritize the national interest. Kyle acknowledged the "forces at work" challenging Starmer's leadership but noted the risks of a prolonged transition, referencing the chaos of past Conservative leadership contests.
Pressure on Starmer to set a departure date has mounted after Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election, which positions him as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership. A growing number of government figures believe Starmer could announce his exit plans as early as Monday.
While Starmer previously insisted he would fight any formal leadership bid, allies say he is now weighing options. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have joined calls for an exit timetable, following similar demands from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband after Labour's poor local election results last month.
Burnham, reportedly spending time with family this weekend, is expected to travel to Westminster on Monday to formally take his seat as an MP. His allies urged Starmer to reflect and listen to cabinet ministers, MPs, and family.
Labour MP Toby Perkins opposed Starmer's resignation, warning it would lead to the country's "seventh prime minister in 10 years." He highlighted government achievements in reducing NHS waiting times, net migration, and the asylum backlog.
However, Jess Phillips, who resigned as a minister after May's elections, described the situation as "the end of the road" and called for a "dignified" leadership transition under Starmer's control.