London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could announce his resignation as early as Monday and may also set out a timetable for stepping down, according to a report by The Observer cited by Reuters.
However, a government source pushed back against the speculation, stating that Starmer “remained focused on getting on with the job of governing.”
According to the report, pressure on Starmer has intensified in recent months and escalated sharply after Labour Party rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat on Friday, potentially enabling him to launch a formal leadership challenge.
Reuters, citing The Observer, reported that Starmer had been discussing his future with his wife at the Chequers country residence before making a final decision. Senior Labour figures were reportedly anticipating a possible statement from the Prime Minister as early as Monday.
The government source reiterated that Starmer remains committed to his duties, pointing to his earlier public remarks.
On Friday, Starmer said he would “fight any challenge” to his leadership and urged Labour members not to damage the party through internal divisions.
Despite leading the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, Starmer has reportedly faced growing dissent within the party following a series of controversies and policy reversals that critics say have undermined public confidence in the government.
The report suggests that more than 100 Labour MPs—around a quarter of the party’s parliamentary strength—have publicly called on him to either resign or provide a clear timeline for his departure.
According to The Observer, Starmer concluded that his position was becoming increasingly difficult after consultations with cabinet colleagues, advisers, donors and trade union leaders.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is being viewed by many within Labour as a leading contender to succeed Starmer, either through a negotiated transition or a leadership contest.
Burnham recently secured a parliamentary seat in a vote where he defeated competition linked to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK movement.
Former health minister Wes Streeting has also emerged as a potential leadership challenger and has indicated a willingness to contest the party leadership.
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