The writing on the wall has never been clearer for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: mounting pressure to outline a timetable for his resignation is reaching boiling point. Rumours are swirling that an announcement could come as early as Monday, leaving many within the Labour Party wondering if the current leadership will be able to recover from this latest blow.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle's comments this morning offered a glimpse into the rapidly shifting dynamics at play. In discussing the Prime Minister's next move, he noted that Sir Keir would act in "what is in the best interests of the country", suggesting a growing awareness among party leaders of the need for change. The challenges facing Labour have been building for months, with many MPs citing the Prime Minister's personal unpopularity as a key obstacle to electoral success.
The results of the Makerfield by-election have added fuel to the fire, with Andy Burnham's decisive victory over the Reform Party seen as a critical turning point. His success in beating Nigel Farage's party has provided Labour leadership contenders with renewed hope and addressed one of their most pressing concerns: the ability to compete effectively against the Brexit Party.
The growing list of Labour MPs calling for Sir Keir's resignation now includes senior Cabinet ministers, who have privately expressed their concerns about his leadership. Notably, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander are among those who have reportedly advised the Prime Minister to step down, yet remain in their posts – a potent indicator of Sir Keir's waning authority.
Should he resign in the coming days, attention will turn quickly to the leadership contest itself. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting had previously indicated his intention to stand, but allies now suggest that discussions between potential candidates for Number 10 regarding the party's future are underway. The possibility of a deal being struck between candidates is being hinted at, though Team Streeting maintains their position remains unchanged. Any other potential candidate would face a tight deadline to secure the backing of 81 MPs to qualify for the ballot.
A crucial question revolves around the timing of a new Prime Minister taking office. Disagreements exist within the parliamentary Labour Party over what constitutes an "orderly" transition and its duration. Some within Burnham's camp advocate for him to take over at the Labour annual conference in late September, allowing ample preparation time for government. However, other key supporters argue this timeline is too slow, suggesting a three-month interregnum would paralyse government activities.