Keir Starmer is nearing the announcement of his departure from Downing Street, possibly today, following a weekend of deliberation with his wife, Victoria. Making the announcement this morning would preempt Andy Burnham’s arrival in Parliament this afternoon, as the former Mayor of Manchester is set to be sworn in as an MP, positioning him to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership.
Over the weekend, the Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife, known as Vic, retreated to Chequers, their countryside residence in Buckinghamshire. Vic has historically played a pivotal role as Starmer’s confidante, especially during critical moments like the recent surge of calls for his resignation after the poor local election outcomes.
Reports indicate Vic’s discontent with what she perceived as disloyal actions from Burnham and Wes Streeting, who stepped down as Health Secretary to exert pressure on Starmer. Despite Starmer’s repeated vows to combat any leadership threats, Burnham’s resounding win at the Makerfield by-election has significantly weakened his position.
Pressure on Starmer to resign has escalated, with key MPs and even some Cabinet members privately conceding that his tenure is coming to an end. Notably, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander have advised Starmer to step down during discreet conversations.
Starmer spent the weekend seeking counsel from allies and Vic while contemplating his next steps. Amid speculations of his exit timeline extending until Labour’s conference in September, an ally emphasized Starmer’s genuine contemplation and urged for a composed approach, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party.
As the situation unfolds, Education Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith conveyed that the Prime Minister is reflecting on the nation’s future and the welfare of its citizens, prioritizing national interests over party concerns. Notably, US President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, criticizing Starmer’s performance on immigration and energy issues.
With ongoing deliberations, Starmer’s decisions regarding his political future remain uncertain, as the country awaits further developments.
