Keir Starmer's grip on Downing Street is beginning to slip as growing calls from within his own party demand an 'orderly exit', rather than a potentially destabilising leadership challenge. The Labour leader has faced intense scrutiny following Andy Burnham's convincing by-election victory in Makerfield, which has reignited speculation about the Prime Minister's future.
The pressure on Mr Starmer is mounting, with sources close to the Burnham campaign suggesting around 200 Labour MPs could nominate him for a leadership contest. The prospect of a new leader ascending to the premiership has already sparked a heated debate within the party, with at least two Cabinet ministers, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, previously urging Mr Starmer to establish a timetable for his departure.
Despite this mounting pressure, Mr Starmer remains resolute in his determination to fight on. However, Cabinet sources have indicated a desire for a 'dignified, orderly exit' to avoid internal party turmoil and prevent a repeat of the chaos that surrounded Boris Johnson's final days as Prime Minister. This sentiment is echoed by Labour grandees David Blunkett and Harriet Harman, who have publicly advocated for a clear timetable for new leadership.
In light of these developments, senior Labour sources indicate that if Mr Starmer does not resign or signal his willingness to facilitate a transition over the weekend, an intervention is expected at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. This move aims to prevent a protracted and potentially damaging contest that could plunge the party into chaos.
Mr Starmer has publicly stated his refusal to resign and his commitment to fighting any contest. Speaking in North London, he told reporters, "If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then, yes, I will run." He also cautioned that such a contest would 'plunge us into chaos' and urged the Labour party to 'pull together' to focus on the upcoming by-election to replace Mr Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester. Louise Haigh, a key figure in Mr Burnham's campaign, has echoed calls for Mr Starmer to avoid a 'brutal and unpleasant' contest and instead set out an exit timetable.
Not all within the party agree that a leadership contest should proceed, however. Some supporters of Wes Streeting believe it could only be conducted 'comradely' if the Prime Minister does not participate. Meanwhile, Angela Rayner has reportedly stated she will not run in any contest where Andy Burnham challenges Mr Starmer. The Prime Minister's team is actively working to shore up support among wavering MPs.