Keir Starmer reportedly considering stepping down as PM and could announce timetable for departure

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and may announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday. This comes amid growing dissatisfaction within the Labour Party, concerns over the economy, and a potential leadership challenge from rival Andy Burnham, who recently won a parliamentary seat. Over 100 Labour lawmakers have publicly urged Starmer to resign or set a departure timeline, following disappointing local election results and a decline in Starmer's popularity. Despite these pressures, a government source stated Starmer remains focused on governing and has previously vowed to stay in office.

The Observer newspaper reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was expected to resign on Monday and announce a departure timetable. This speculation follows months of pressure on Starmer's leadership, which intensified after rival Andy Burnham secured a parliamentary seat enabling a formal leadership challenge. While the Observer suggested Starmer was discussing his future, a government source stated he remains focused on governing. Starmer himself indicated on Friday he would contest any challenge and urged the Labour party against infighting. Over 100 Labour lawmakers have publicly called for his resignation or a timeline for his exit.

Keir Starmer is facing pressure from cabinet ministers and Labour grandees to prepare for an "orderly exit" from leadership, following Andy Burnham's significant byelection victory. While Starmer intends to fight any leadership challenge, a growing consensus suggests his time as leader is ending. Burnham is expected in London to meet MPs, with some believing he could become prime minister within weeks. Several senior figures, including Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman, have called for a timetable for new leadership. Starmer's allies maintain he has enough support to win a contest, while others believe a leadership challenge is inevitable if he does not resign.

Andy Burnham has won a special election for a parliamentary seat in Makerfield, securing 55% of the vote. This victory positions him to potentially challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour party and the position of Prime Minister. The special election was significant as the previous Labour MP resigned to allow Burnham to run. Starmer, whose popularity has declined due to economic issues and a scandal, stated he will fight to remain leader. Burnham's return to Parliament is seen by some as a turning point for the country. Under Labour rules, Burnham may have enough support to trigger a leadership contest.

Andy Burnham has won a crucial by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a victory widely seen as a prelude to a potential Labour leadership challenge against current leader Keir Starmer. The election, which drew significant national and international media attention, saw Burnham secure a substantial majority. Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, has expressed his intention to challenge Starmer, who has faced criticism for missteps and declining popularity. To launch a leadership bid, Burnham would need to secure nominations from 20 percent of Labour MPs and support from local party branches and trade unions. The by-election also highlighted the Reform Party's campaign, which focused on immigration, but Makerfield voters ultimately rejected the far-right.

The Liberal candidate, Anthony Marsh, has claimed victory in the Nepean byelection in Victoria, a result seen as a preview for the upcoming state election. With nearly 80% of votes counted, Marsh held a significant lead on a two-candidate basis. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of a Liberal deputy leader. While the Liberals retained the seat, they experienced a notable swing against them on the primary vote. One Nation's candidate, Darren Hercus, secured a strong second place, surpassing the independent candidate. The Labor party did not field a candidate in this byelection.