Embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down after growing pressure from senior Labour figures, raising the prospect of another change of leadership in British politics.
UK media reports suggest Mr Starmer could outline plans to leave office as early as this week, while Andy Burnham, widely regarded as his likely successor, prepares to take his seat in Parliament following a decisive by-election victory.
Downing Street declined to confirm whether the prime minister had reached a decision, as journalists gathered outside Number 10 awaiting any official announcement.
Junior education minister Jacqui Smith said Mr Starmer had spent the weekend reflecting on his future.
“I do not know if he has made a decision. I know that he has been thinking really hard about what is best for the country,” she told Sky News.
She added: “I trust him to make the right decision.”
Speculation over Mr Starmer’s future intensified after Andy Burnham secured a commanding victory in the Makerfield by-election, clearing the way for a potential leadership challenge. Under Labour Party rules, only a sitting Member of Parliament can become party leader.
If Mr Starmer resigns, Britain would have its seventh prime minister in just ten years, underlining an unprecedented period of political instability.
The 63-year-old former lawyer had previously insisted he would resist efforts to remove him from office. However, the scale of Mr Burnham’s victory appears to have prompted renewed discussions within the party.
Several British newspapers carried front-page headlines suggesting Mr Starmer’s premiership may be nearing its end. Reports indicated that members of his inner circle had begun discussing the terms and timing of a possible departure.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the prime minister was taking time to consider his position.
“He is making time to reflect on the political realities, challenges and opportunities that he finds himself in,” Mr Kyle told Sky News.
According to media reports, more than 100 Labour MPs have urged the prime minister to step aside, while senior cabinet figures are said to have expressed concerns about the party’s direction.
Mr Starmer’s government has faced a series of political setbacks during its two years in office, including policy reversals, ministerial resignations and declining public approval ratings.
Labour’s poor performance in recent local and regional elections across England, Scotland and Wales further intensified pressure on the prime minister and strengthened calls for a change in leadership.
Mr Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a former cabinet minister, has emerged as the leading contender to replace Mr Starmer. In his by-election victory speech, he warned that Labour had a “final chance to change”.
The 56-year-old has yet to outline a detailed programme for government, although British media reports suggest he could make significant changes to the cabinet if he becomes leader.
With Labour holding a substantial parliamentary majority, any successful leadership transition could allow a new leader to become prime minister without a general election.
Mr Starmer reportedly spent the weekend at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, holding discussions with close allies as speculation over his future continued to grow.
