LONDON, Jun 22 (Alliance News): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over his political future after a major victory by Labour rival Andy Burnham intensified calls from within the governing party for a leadership change.
Starmer, who is facing some of the lowest popularity ratings recorded for a British prime minister in modern political history, spent the weekend considering his next move, with sources indicating he could decide soon whether to step aside or fight a potential leadership challenge.
The pressure increased after Burnham secured a decisive victory in a parliamentary seat in northwestern England, encouraging dozens of Labour lawmakers and some ministers to privately demand that Starmer set a timetable for his departure to allow a leadership transition.
A source familiar with the situation said Starmer had been discussing his position with his family and was expected to have a conversation with Burnham that could help clarify the political situation.
US President Donald Trump also added to the pressure, predicting on his Truth Social platform that Starmer would resign as Prime Minister. Trump criticized Starmer’s record on immigration and energy policies, particularly regarding North Sea oil production.
Starmer’s political difficulties have deepened following Labour’s poor performance in local elections in May. Opinion polls among Labour members have suggested that Burnham could be a strong contender in a potential leadership contest.
If Burnham takes over as Labour leader and prime minister, he would become the seventh person to hold the office in the United Kingdom in a decade.
Reports suggested that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper had privately urged Starmer to step down, although her spokesperson did not immediately comment on the matter.
Starmer has previously said that he would contest any formal Labour leadership challenge. His supporters argue that his landslide victory in the 2024 general election gave him a mandate to lead the country until the next election in 2029.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said Starmer was reflecting on the political challenges facing him but rejected the idea that his departure was inevitable.
“I’m not going to deny the political challenges that he faces in this moment, but what I’m also not going to do is say there is ever anything inevitable about the days ahead,” Kyle said.
Burnham’s victory over the populist Reform UK party in the Makerfield constituency further strengthened his position among Labour critics seeking change. Supporters of Burnham said they had given Starmer the weekend to consider an orderly transfer of power.
However, there has been no confirmation that Starmer and Burnham have held discussions.
Former minister Jess Phillips, who supports another possible leadership contender, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, said the situation appeared to have reached a critical stage and suggested that Starmer’s departure, if it happened, should be handled in a dignified manner.
The growing internal debate has placed Labour under significant political pressure as the party faces questions over leadership, public support, and its future direction.
