Pressure Mounts As Starmer Weighs Resignation As UK PM

United Kingdom Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is reportedly considering resigning from office amid mounting pressure within the Labour Party.

Reports said Starmer spent the weekend reflecting on his political future following the commanding electoral victory of Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, in Makerfield.

The development has intensified calls among some Labour figures 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 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 was said to be holding discussions with his wife, Victoria, at Chequers before making a final decision.

Although Starmer has publicly insisted that he intends to remain in office and “fight” any leadership challenge, Labour insiders claimed his position weakened after Burnham secured 55 per cent of the vote in Makerfield.

Some Labour MPs believe Burnham’s victory shows he is better positioned to confront Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, ahead of the next general election.

Reports said Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, advised Starmer to set a timetable for his departure to allow an orderly transition.

Other senior figures were also said to believe the Prime Minister should begin planning a handover.

A senior source said, “Keir is reflecting on what is best for the party and for the country.”

However, some MPs warned against installing Burnham without a formal leadership contest.

Several Labour lawmakers said support for Starmer had declined sharply.

“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.”

But loyalists warned that forcing Starmer out could trigger chaos and strengthen the opposition.

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.”