By Cynthia Onuado
United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering resigning from office amid growing pressure within the Labour Party, with allies suggesting he may be weighing whether to continue fighting for his political future or step aside for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
According to reports, Starmer has spent the weekend reflecting on his position following Burnham’s commanding victory in Makerfield, a result that has intensified calls within Labour for a change in leadership.
Sources close to the Prime Minister said he was considering “what is best for the country” and was concerned that a bitter leadership battle could plunge both the party and government into instability.
“I think there is just a 25 per cent chance he fights on now,” a senior ally was quoted as saying.
Starmer is understood to be holding discussions with his wife, Victoria Starmer, at Chequers before making a final decision on his future.
Although the Prime Minister has publicly insisted that he intends to remain in office and “fight” any leadership challenge, several Labour insiders claim his outlook changed after the scale of Burnham’s electoral success became clear.
Burnham secured a decisive 55 per cent of the vote in Makerfield, while Reform UK finished a distant second with 35 per cent.
The Prime Minister reportedly held a series of meetings and telephone conversations with Cabinet ministers and close allies on Friday as pressure mounted over his leadership.
Reports indicate that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander advised Starmer to establish a timetable for his departure, a move that would potentially allow Burnham to take over leadership of the party and government.
Other senior Cabinet figures are also said to believe the Prime Minister should begin planning an orderly transition.
A senior source said: “Keir is reflecting on what is best for the party and for the country.”
The Prime Minister is reportedly worried that a prolonged leadership contest could trigger fierce infighting within Labour and further damage the party’s standing among voters.
However, his final decision is expected to be influenced by his wife, who has previously encouraged him to remain in office and confront his critics.
Sources further claimed that Starmer has a leadership campaign infrastructure and financial backing in place should he decide to contest any challenge to his position.
Despite mounting criticism, some Labour lawmakers remain loyal to the Prime Minister and have expressed concern over attempts to force him from office.
One Labour MP said: “If colleagues choose to go head first into a new leadership trap now, the opposition will seize it, there will be a general election, and we will lose MPs following the 2024 high.”
On Friday, Starmer reportedly held a call with Labour staff members during which he urged party members to “pull together” and “take the fight” to Reform UK.
Nevertheless, several Labour MPs suggested support for the Prime Minister has eroded significantly.
“He is very isolated,” one MP said.
A Labour frontbencher added: “The PM just doesn’t have many friends left.
“It is about Keir Starmer. He is the problem. If Andy Burnham wasn’t challenging him someone else would be.”
Many Labour MPs are said to be increasingly concerned about the electoral threat posed by Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, ahead of the next general election.
Supporters of Burnham argue that his recent victory demonstrates that Reform UK can be defeated and that he is best positioned to lead Labour into future electoral contests.
A Labour MP and Burnham ally said: “As Donald Trump would say – Keir Starmer doesn’t hold any cards here. He needs to set out a timetable to go.
“Andy offers a lifeline for all those seats that were going to get smashed out the park by Reform at the next election.
“It’s a matter of survival.”
Another former Labour minister reportedly urged the Prime Minister to announce a timetable for his departure.
“He should set a timetable and step down at conference. If he says no it kicks off with resignations next week.
“He has to decide if he goes with dignity or gets dragged out,” the former minister said.
However, not all Labour lawmakers support a direct transition to Burnham.
Some MPs argue that he should first contest and win a formal leadership election in order to secure a clear mandate from party members.
One Labour MP warned: “If Burnham doesn’t win a leadership election this year and is installed in No10 he will lose a general election next year.”
The reported developments highlight growing tensions within the Labour Party as it grapples with internal divisions and rising competition from Reform UK ahead of future electoral battles.
