UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Reportedly Preparing to Step Down Finally

According to sources close to Starmer, he wants to step down “with dignity” by announcing an orderly timetable for the transfer of power.

Citing multiple cabinet sources, the British newspaper Daily Mail reported that Starmer has acknowledged the current political chaos is “unsustainable” and is seeking a “controlled and respectable” exit.

One minister told the newspaper, “He (Starmer) will set a timetable,” although it remains unclear when an official announcement might be made.

Some of Starmer’s close allies have advised him to wait until the outcome of upcoming by-election opinion polls becomes clearer before making any final decision.

A cabinet source claimed that Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney has urged the prime minister to stay on a little longer. According to the source, a close contest or even a possible defeat for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could dramatically reshape the political situation.

However, another senior supporter of Starmer reportedly argued against waiting for the by-election results, saying that doing so could become “personally humiliating” for the prime minister.

The political uncertainty has also complicated Andy Burnham’s reported plan to return to Westminster. Sources close to Burnham believe Starmer remaining prime minister during the campaign in Makerfield would be politically advantageous.

A spokesperson for Burnham’s camp said they were “comfortable” with whatever timetable Starmer chooses for his departure, adding that the matter remains entirely the prime minister’s decision. For now, they are focused on securing support for Burnham as the Makerfield candidate.

Another ally said they do not want the campaign message to become “complicated.” According to him, if voters are frustrated by the slow pace of change in Britain, the message should be simple: “Vote for Andy, and you will see immediate change.”

Reports suggest Starmer initially began discussions with cabinet colleagues about finding an “orderly” solution to the leadership crisis. However, he later became increasingly frustrated after political briefings against him began circulating from different factions within the party.

In particular, he was reportedly unhappy with the role played by allies of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

One source said Starmer believed he was trying to behave “politely and responsibly,” while others were attempting to weaken him politically behind the scenes.

Political tensions intensified further after reports emerged that senior Labour figures and advisers had been privately lobbying MPs to support a leadership change.

According to the report, people close to Starmer believe some politicians who publicly backed him were secretly holding discussions with rival groups about a future cabinet.

Speaking anonymously, one minister said Starmer felt especially betrayed because many colleagues assured him, “I’m still with you,” while simultaneously coordinating with plotters.

The situation reportedly worsened after Chancellor Rachel Reeves made comments in an interview regarding healthcare funding. Critics interpreted her remarks as distancing herself from both Starmer and the government’s collective position.

One minister said the comments made it clear Reeves was trying to separate herself politically from the prime minister.

On the same day, Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the cabinet. Later, reports emerged that Labour MP Josh Simons planned to vacate the Makerfield seat to allow Burnham to return to Parliament.

A minister described the developments as a “major blow” for Downing Street.

The report also stated that Starmer’s team later attempted to persuade Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to block Burnham’s candidacy. However, Deputy Leader Lucy Powell quickly completed the consultation process, causing that effort to fail.

A long-time associate of Starmer said the prime minister had previously believed he could survive repeated political crises. Although often described as having “the lives of a cat,” the associate claimed Starmer has now begun to realize that even his “final life” may be running out.