(UK, 21st) British media reports that Prime Minister Starmer is expected to resign and will announce a timeline for his departure; however, a government source states that Starmer remains focused on continuing to govern.
The Observer reported that Starmer is discussing the matter with his wife at the country house in Chequers, and will only make a final decision afterwards. Senior Labour Party figures expect that he will issue a clear statement as soon as next Monday (22nd).
The Observer did not disclose its sources, but said that after conversations with cabinet ministers, advisers, donors, and union leaders, Starmer has concluded that his position is no longer tenable.
Starmer has been in a difficult situation for months. Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham won a parliamentary seat in a by-election in northern England on Friday (19th), which means he can now officially launch a leadership challenge, further destabilizing Starmer's position.
However, Starmer said on Friday that he would face any leadership challenge and urged Labour not to descend into infighting and fragmentation.
A government source also said that Starmer remains focused on his work.
Starmer led the centre-left Labour Party to a sweeping victory in the 2024 election, but a series of scandals and major policy U-turns have tarnished his reputation, with many voters believing he cannot deliver on promises to improve people's living standards.
If he resigns or is ousted, it would mean the UK will see its seventh prime minister in just over a decade. This is the fastest rate of prime ministerial turnover in nearly two centuries, reflecting public anger over successive governments' failures to improve public services and address issues such as illegal immigration.
According to Reuters, more than 100 elected Labour MPs—about a quarter of the party’s total in the House of Commons—have publicly stated that they wish for Starmer to resign or set a timetable for his departure.
Burnham, a 56-year-old veteran politician, is considered by many within Labour to be the most likely successor to Starmer, whether through a negotiated power transfer or a formal leadership contest.
Burnham, who has served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England, has established a solid power base within the Labour Party.
Burnham has not yet officially challenged Starmer, but in his victory speech pledged to chart a new path for the country. His allies have urged Starmer to agree to resign and voluntarily hand over power.
Former Health Secretary Streeting has also said he is willing to challenge Starmer.
The Times reported on Saturday that if Burnham becomes prime minister, he will dismiss Chancellor Reeves, as his advisers believe Reeves has failed to bring about sufficient policy change.
The Observer did not disclose its sources, but said that after conversations with cabinet ministers, advisers, donors, and union leaders, Starmer has concluded that his position is no longer tenable.
Starmer has been in a difficult situation for months. Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham won a parliamentary seat in a by-election in northern England on Friday (19th), which means he can now officially launch a leadership challenge, further destabilizing Starmer's position.
However, Starmer said on Friday that he would face any leadership challenge and urged Labour not to descend into infighting and fragmentation.
A government source also said that Starmer remains focused on his work.
Starmer led the centre-left Labour Party to a sweeping victory in the 2024 election, but a series of scandals and major policy U-turns have tarnished his reputation, with many voters believing he cannot deliver on promises to improve people's living standards.
If he resigns or is ousted, it would mean the UK will see its seventh prime minister in just over a decade. This is the fastest rate of prime ministerial turnover in nearly two centuries, reflecting public anger over successive governments' failures to improve public services and address issues such as illegal immigration.
According to Reuters, more than 100 elected Labour MPs—about a quarter of the party’s total in the House of Commons—have publicly stated that they wish for Starmer to resign or set a timetable for his departure.
Burnham, a 56-year-old veteran politician, is considered by many within Labour to be the most likely successor to Starmer, whether through a negotiated power transfer or a formal leadership contest.
Burnham, who has served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England, has established a solid power base within the Labour Party.
Burnham has not yet officially challenged Starmer, but in his victory speech pledged to chart a new path for the country. His allies have urged Starmer to agree to resign and voluntarily hand over power.
Former Health Secretary Streeting has also said he is willing to challenge Starmer.
The Times reported on Saturday that if Burnham becomes prime minister, he will dismiss Chancellor Reeves, as his advisers believe Reeves has failed to bring about sufficient policy change.