Labour Supporters Urge Starmer to Set Timeline for PM Departure

Ministers within the British government who are close to Prime Minister Keir Starmer have indicated that he may face pressure from the Labour Party to resign if he does not establish a timeline for his departure by the end of the week, according to The Guardian.

Senior Labour Party sources told the newspaper they believe that if Starmer does not resign or signal that he will allow a transition to a new leader during the weekend, intervention is expected at the upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

One senior source stated, "The prime minister cannot repeat the mistake of refusing to discuss his future with his government. He has two options: either permit his government and ministers to publicly show support for his rivals, or risk ending up in the same predicament as former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who saw three education ministers resign within three days."

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester who recently secured a landslide victory in the by-election for the Wakefield constituency on Friday, is expected to travel to London on Monday to meet with members of parliament, with expectations that he could become prime minister within weeks.

Louise Haigh, the former Transport Secretary who helped lead Burnham's campaign, called on Starmer to "avoid a bitter and unpleasant leadership contest" by setting a timetable for his exit.

A Labour MP mentioned that around 200 Labour MPs are reportedly ready, if necessary, to endorse Burnham's nomination papers for a leadership contest, although his supporters hope for a decisive victory.

Other ministers are anticipated to pressure Starmer on whether contesting the party leadership is a wise decision. Another minister said, "Everyone thinks it's over and wants him to leave with dignity and in an orderly manner."

At least two ministers, Energy Security Minister Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have previously suggested that Starmer set a timetable for his departure.

However, another minister remarked, "There comes a time when the question is: what matters more? Loyalty or delivering the agenda? There are critical issues at stake, and those who do not see the gravity of the situation will inevitably end up as the last to seek refuge."

Two senior Labour leaders, David Blunkett and Harriet Harman, have also expressed the necessity of establishing a timetable for the new leadership.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared he would contest any potential Labour leadership race if it were called, emphasizing that he would not "withdraw or abandon" his position.

On Friday afternoon, Starmer contacted government members to reaffirm his determination to continue fighting, with sources indicating that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was among those who expressed concerns.

Several government ministers voiced their desire to demonstrate loyalty, while acknowledging that the current situation makes it very difficult for the prime minister to remain in office.

Some of Starmer’s closest allies claimed he retained the greatest influence despite Burnham’s momentum, as Burnham sought to avoid a move that could internally damage his candidacy for leadership.

A pro-Starmer memo circulating among loyal MPs outlines the offensive arguments likely to be used by the prime minister and his team in a leadership campaign.

The memo states, "Burnham has not faced any real scrutiny yet. A genuine contest would expose him to questions he has not answered before, and his support is likely to decline as a result."

It also notes that opinion polls show "Burnham’s trajectory has not been positive," with his popularity decreasing and party members potentially changing their minds.

The existence of this memo, drafted by Starmer’s allies, reveals his preparations for a contest but also highlights the risks of a sharp internal party conflict as each side seeks to expose the other.

MPs loyal to the prime minister are determined to prevent Burnham’s coronation and are prepared to rally around Darren Jones, the prime minister’s chief secretary, as an alternative.

Support for Jones is growing among MPs who signed a letter backing Starmer in May. One said, "There is broad colleague support for Darren Jones."

He added, "Unlike all other potential candidates, Darren Jones has the economic and national security experience expected of a prime minister, representing continuity in these two successful areas."

At a North London event, Starmer told reporters, "If there is a contest, to be clear with you, I will definitely stand," warning that such a contest "will drown us in chaos," and stating that "Labour needs to unite to contest the by-election to select Burnham’s replacement as Greater Manchester mayor."

Meanwhile, a supporter of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has announced his intention to challenge Starmer, said it is likely that Streeting and Burnham will reach an agreement, with the most probable outcome being support for Burnham in exchange for a promise of a prominent leadership role.

The two men spoke earlier in the week but have yet to hold a decisive conversation, and both still hope Starmer will resign voluntarily.

Streeting has informed his supporters that a leadership election is necessary, but it will not be "friendly" if the prime minister participates.

Keir Starmer’s confidence has increased that he has overcome the immediate threat to his position after Wes Streeting failed to secure enough support to stand for prime minister.

Several of Streeting’s supporters believe Burnham will inevitably become prime minister given his 9,000-vote majority in Wakefield, but he must be tested in a snap election held before the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.

Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister and widely expected to be a leading leadership contender, will not stand in any contest involving Burnham against Starmer.

Starmer’s team maintains a list of MPs loyal to his leadership and believes they still have sufficient support to face any challenge from Burnham.