British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting calls to announce a timetable for his departure from Downing Street after Andy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, intensifying speculation over a possible Labour leadership contest.
A growing number of Labour MPs are urging Starmer to step aside and pave the way for Burnham to succeed him without a potentially divisive battle for the party leadership.
However, the prime minister has insisted that he has no intention of resigning and vowed to fight any challenge.
“I was elected to serve my country with a mandate that we secured at a general election two years ago,” Starmer said.
He pointed to his government’s achievements in restoring economic stability and bringing immigration “back under control”, adding that there was still much more he wanted to accomplish.
“If there is a contest, yes I will run. I will stand and I have said repeatedly I am not going to walk away from that,” he said.
Pressure Mounting Within Cabinet
Following Burnham’s victory, Starmer reportedly spent Friday contacting senior ministers to assess support within his cabinet.
According to reports, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander suggested that the prime minister should consider setting out a timetable for his departure.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly offered Starmer her full support.
The latest unrest comes after several ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, had previously urged Starmer to consider stepping down following Labour’s disappointing local election results.
A key moment is expected to come at next week’s cabinet meeting, where senior ministers will gather amid increasing uncertainty over Starmer’s future.
Burnham Supporters Push for Smooth Transition
Burnham’s allies have reportedly encouraged Starmer to reflect over the weekend and listen to the views of ministers, MPs and his family.
Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said she hoped for a “managed and orderly transition”.
Labour MP Jo White said Starmer should carefully consider his position.
“I think he should announce on Monday morning that there will be a smooth transition and we allow Andy Burnham to become the next prime minister for the United Kingdom,” she said.
Another Labour MP, Peter Swallow, who had previously backed Starmer, announced that he now believed the prime minister should resign and declared his support for Burnham.
Burnham’s Victory Fuels Leadership Speculation
Burnham’s landslide victory in Makerfield has significantly strengthened his standing within the party.
The former Greater Manchester mayor increased Labour’s share of the vote by 10 percentage points and defeated Reform UK’s candidate by more than 9,000 votes.
Speaking after the result, Burnham described the victory as an opportunity to “turn the tide” and “change British politics forever”.
His return to Westminster after nine years means he is now eligible to stand for the Labour leadership, something he could not do while serving solely as mayor.
Under Labour rules, a challenger requires the backing of 81 MPs to trigger a contest, a threshold Burnham is widely expected to meet.
Wes Streeting Also Viewed as Possible Challenger
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also considered a potential leadership contender.
Streeting has reportedly secured enough support among MPs to enter a leadership race, although allies suggest he could step aside if momentum within the party shifts decisively behind Burnham.
Former minister Jess Phillips, who supports Streeting, argued that any future leader should face proper scrutiny through a contest.
“If you want to be the leader of our country as well as leader of the Labour Party, you should be tested with the rigour of at least some manner of contest,” she said.
Some Labour Figures Rally Behind Starmer
Despite the growing calls for change, several ministers and MPs have publicly defended Starmer.
Justice Minister Catherine Atkinson praised the prime minister’s determination and warned against the instability that frequent leadership changes can create.
“We saw the constant change of prime ministers under the Conservatives and it wasn’t edifying,” she said.
“We cannot afford to get distracted – there is just too much to do.”
Opposition Seizes on Labour Turmoil
Opposition leaders have sought to capitalise on Labour’s internal divisions.
Nigel Farage admitted his party’s second-place finish in Makerfield had been disappointing but claimed some voters had opted for Burnham in the hope of removing Starmer.
Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of becoming consumed by internal power struggles while neglecting issues such as the cost of living.
With Burnham due to be sworn in as an MP and cabinet ministers preparing to meet next week, the coming days could prove critical for Starmer’s leadership and the future direction of the Labour Party.
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