KEIR Starmer has faced mounting pressure over the weekend to resign, with reports suggesting he could stand down as early as Monday.
The Prime Minister had repeatedly vowed not to walk away from his post, even as public talk of a leadership contest or handing power to Andy Burnham has gained pace among Labour figures since he won the Makerfield by-election on Friday.
But the number of Labour MPs calling for Starmer to go has now topped 100 – just under a quarter of the party’s MPs – and includes some who signed a letter warning against a leadership contest just last month.
The Guardian reports Starmer is expected to announce his resignation on Monday.
This has also been reported by The Observer, quoting senior Labour figures who believe a “clear statement” could come as early as Monday.
Elsewhere, a senior ally told The Sun they believe there is “just a 25% chance he fights on now”, while The Observer cited a Labour peer who said they think Starmer sees that “stopping ‘chaos’ (as he rightly put it) is now not possible by staying.”
Here is what happens if Starmer does announce his resignation.
If Keir Starmer resigns will there be a General Election?
No, Starmer's resignation would not trigger a General Election. However, several things could happen.
Starmer could choose to step down immediately, in which case another MP would step in to the role as a "caretaker" until a new leader is chosen.
He could also set out a timetable for his departure, which would mean he stays in place while a leadership contest plays out.
The exact timings of a leadership election would be decided by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).
However, there is also the possibility of there being no contest for the role – for example, if no one decides to challenge Andy Burnham – in which case the NEC could decide he is automatically elected.
Whoever becomes the next prime minister could choose to call a snap election.
However, Burnham, widely considered to be the strong contender, has signalled he will not call an election if he becomes prime minister.
The next General Election must be called by August 2029.
If Keir Starmer resigns who will replace him?
If Keir Starmer resigns, a number of figures are lining themselves up to replace him.
Andy Burnham is the most likely contender, having won the Makerfield by-election on Friday.
He had already signalled his intention to challenge Starmer for the premiership, and will be sworn in as an MP on Monday.
Wes Streeting is also looking to launch a leadership bid, having resigned as Health Secretary last month in the first move against Starmer.
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner could also put her name forward. Last month, she was cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in an investigation over her tax affairs, paving the way for a potential leadership bid.
How long has Keir Starmer been Prime Minister?
Starmer became Prime Minister on July 5, 2024, after Labour won the General Election by a landslide.
He was elected Labour leader on April 4, 2020, succeeding Jeremy Corbyn.
