Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense pressure as reports indicate he could announce his resignation as early as this morning. The number of Labour MPs calling for him to step down has surpassed 100, representing nearly a quarter of the party's parliamentary members. This comes after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election earlier this week.
Growing Calls for Resignation
Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly stated he will not leave Number 10, but the mounting pressure from within his own party has intensified. Following Andy Burnham's win on Friday, Starmer acknowledged he would be in the leadership race assuming Burnham would challenge him. Senior government figures now expect Starmer to announce both his resignation and a transition plan to his successor, according to the BBC.
The number of Labour MPs calling for Starmer's resignation has topped 100, a significant portion of the party's 412 MPs. This includes some who signed a letter warning against a leadership contest just last month. Starmer has spent the weekend weighing his political future as the pressure mounts.
Potential Leadership Transition
While a formal leadership contest is possible, a "coronation" for Andy Burnham appears increasingly likely. Burnham is due to be sworn in as an MP in Westminster this afternoon, following his victory in the Makerfield by-election last week. This clears the path for him to challenge for the Labour leadership. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected throughout the day.
