Prime Minister Keir Starmer is believed by allies to be weighing his departure from office after a dramatic erosion of support among Labour MPs and ministers over the weekend.
According to reports in The Telegraph, allies of the Prime Minister believe Sir Keir is increasingly reflecting on his future after a dramatic collapse in support among Labour MPs and Cabinet colleagues following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election.
Several senior Labour figures are said to have privately urged Sir Keir to consider setting out a timetable for his departure, rather than fighting a potentially divisive leadership contest.
Sources quoted by The Telegraph claimed there had been significant movement within Cabinet ranks in recent days, with one senior government figure reportedly suggesting that the Prime Minister now recognises that “the game is up” and is considering how best to protect his political legacy.
The reports come after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured a commanding victory in the Makerfield by-election, a result that has intensified speculation about Labour’s future leadership.
A Labour MP described by The Telegraph as normally loyal to Sir Keir claimed the Prime Minister’s support among parliamentary colleagues had dwindled dramatically. The MP suggested that only a small circle of personal friends and longstanding allies remained firmly behind him.
Other government sources quoted by the newspaper suggested that support for Mr Burnham within the Parliamentary Labour Party had reached such a level that a contested leadership election might be avoided altogether.
Several Cabinet ministers have reportedly urged Sir Keir to begin planning for an orderly transition. According to various reports, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander raised the issue directly on Friday, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is also said to have delivered a similar message. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have previously been reported as expressing concerns about the Prime Minister’s position.
The BBC also reported claims from government sources that many within Labour believe Mr Burnham would be extremely difficult to defeat in a leadership contest.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds had informed the Prime Minister of growing support among Labour MPs for a managed handover of power.
Speculation has also continued over the intentions of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is widely viewed as another potential leadership contender. However, reports suggest some of his allies believe Mr Burnham has established a commanding position within the party.
One Labour source quoted by national newspapers said both Mr Burnham and Mr Streeting were giving the Prime Minister time and space to make his own decision, rather than publicly escalating pressure.
Despite the mounting speculation, Downing Street has strongly pushed back against suggestions that Sir Keir is preparing to quit.
Officials insist the Prime Minister stands by comments made on Friday when he pledged to remain in office and fight any leadership challenge. Government sources have indicated he is expected to resume public engagements next week and is preparing to make at least one significant domestic policy announcement.
According to reports, Sir Keir is spending the weekend at Chequers with Lady Starmer while considering his next steps.
The Prime Minister has not publicly indicated any intention to resign, and no formal leadership contest has yet been triggered.
However, with Labour divisions increasingly spilling into public view and senior figures openly discussing the party’s future direction, the coming days are likely to prove critical for both Sir Keir’s leadership and the future of the Labour Government.
Worth reading in full here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/06/20/starmer-ready-to-step-down-allies-say/
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