As the British summer draws to a close, Labour Party insiders are bracing themselves for a seismic shift in their party's leadership. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly set to announce his intention to stand down by autumn, paving the way for Andy Burnham to take the reins at Number 10. This move would follow a tumultuous few months, with multiple Cabinet ministers privately urging Starmer to consider his position after Labour suffered a series of setbacks in local elections and the recent Makerfield by-election.
The decision is said to have been finalised during a weekend retreat at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence. Sources close to the government claim that drafts of Starmer's resignation speech were being prepared on Saturday, with an autumn departure seen as the most likely option. This timeline would allow the Labour Party to coalesce behind a new leader in time for its annual conference later this month.
Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely regarded as Starmer's preferred successor. However, Cabinet sources suggest that he will need crucial time to assemble a team and develop his policy platform ahead of taking office. A question mark remains over whether Burnham will face a challenge for the leadership, with Wes Streeting having previously stated his intention to stand in any contest.
Streeting's decision has been the subject of speculation, with some suggesting he may not ultimately compete due to insufficient backing or a desire to avoid disrupting preparations for a new Labour government. Nevertheless, there are those within the party who believe a contest would be beneficial in allowing Burnham to thoroughly test his policy platform.
Starmer's decision not to discuss his plans directly with Burnham has sparked intrigue among party insiders. Some within Starmer's inner circle believe that announcing his departure terms unilaterally will allow him to maintain control over the process, while others see it as a sign of weakness. Preparations for a potential handover are said to be underway, with Chief Secretary Darren Jones reportedly meeting Louise Haigh, a key figure in Burnham's team.
Despite his leadership being questioned by at least seven Cabinet ministers since May, Starmer has thus far avoided any ministerial resignations following the Makerfield by-election result. However, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the complexities of his departure and its implications for the party.