UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his departure from Downing Street this week following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election, according to senior Labour figures.
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People close to Starmer said he has increasingly concluded that his position is no longer sustainable after discussions with cabinet colleagues, advisers, trade union leaders and party donors.
Pressure Mounts After Makerfield Result
The prime minister spent the weekend at Chequers with his wife, Victoria, and is expected to make a final decision after further discussions. Senior figures within Labour believe he could issue a statement as early as Monday.
One ally said Starmer did not intend to leave office abruptly and was instead focused on ensuring an orderly transition. The source said he now viewed stepping aside as the best way to serve both the country and the party.
Burnham's Return Changes the Landscape
Burnham’s decisive win over Reform UK in the Greater Manchester constituency has strengthened his standing within Labour and intensified pressure on Starmer.
Burnham is due to be sworn in as an MP on Monday and is expected to meet the prime minister later in the week.
Supporters of the former Greater Manchester mayor claim he now has the backing of more than 201 Labour MPs if a leadership contest is triggered. According to allies, that level of support demonstrates that a majority of Labour parliamentarians favour a change in leadership.
One senior Labour figure said Burnham’s victory had persuaded many MPs that he could be the strongest candidate to prevent Reform UK from making further electoral gains.
Former cabinet minister Charlie Falconer told the BBC that Starmer had lost authority because many within the party now expect Burnham to challenge for the leadership and believe he would win.
Cabinet Ministers Seek Clarity
Starmer is facing calls to clarify his intentions before a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Several senior ministers, including Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper and Heidi Alexander, are reported to have urged him to establish a clear timetable for stepping down.
Party officials have also conveyed strong support among Labour MPs for what they describe as an orderly transition.
According to Starmer’s supporters, the most likely outcome would see him remain in office until September, allowing a successor to be formally endorsed at Labour’s annual conference.
Those who have spoken to the prime minister in recent days describe him as reflective rather than confrontational. Allies say he is assessing the implications of both the Makerfield result and a potential leadership contest.
Leadership Contest Taking Shape
While Burnham is widely viewed as the frontrunner, other figures are still considering leadership bids.
Allies of Wes Streeting insist he intends to run if a contest takes place. Streeting has reportedly secured office space for campaign staff and recently received financial backing from prominent Labour donor Fran Perrin.
However, some Labour figures believe Streeting could eventually support Burnham in exchange for a senior cabinet role in a future administration.
Despite mounting speculation, Downing Street dismissed reports of an imminent resignation as conjecture. On Friday, Starmer said he would take part in any Labour leadership election and maintained that he still had work to complete in government.
Meanwhile, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Labour would benefit from a clear and orderly leadership transition, while stressing the need for a wider debate on policy priorities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 June 2026