Starmer leadership crisis UK PM may quit next weeks

UK politics is under strong pressure as Labour leader and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces growing questions about his future. Reports say he could face a serious leadership challenge in the coming days, with some speculation he may even step down next week.

The crisis has grown after Labour mayor Andy Burnham, linked to a recent by-election win in Makerfield, emerged as a possible rival for the top job.

Starmer has repeated that he will not leave Downing Street and insists he is focused on leading the government through the current crisis.

However, pressure inside Labour has increased sharply. More than 100 Labour MPs are now said to support calls for him to resign or face a contest. This number is close to one quarter of all Labour MPs and includes some who had earlier signed letters warning against a leadership fight.

Senior Labour figures have also added to the pressure, including former home secretary Alan Johnson, who has publicly said Starmer should step aside. Charlie Falconer has also said Starmer has “no authority” because many believe he may soon be replaced by a new leader.

The Prime Minister is spending the weekend at Chequers with his wife, where he is said to be considering his next political move. According to senior allies, there is now only a small chance he continues to fight on, while others expect a possible announcement soon.

Some reports suggest Labour insiders believe a clear statement about his future could come as early as Monday.

Despite this, No 10 has said his position has not changed since Friday, when he confirmed he would not “walk away” from office. He also warned Labour staff in a call not to trigger internal conflict that could damage the party and the country.

Starmer has also spoken with Cabinet ministers, some of whom are said to have urged him to set a clear timetable for leaving. Westminster observers say a leadership contest could begin as early as next week, although timing remains uncertain.

Supporters of Andy Burnham say they prefer a slower process to prepare for government and avoid sudden disruption. Burnham’s team is also reported to want Starmer to set out a transition plan in the coming days. They would also accept a longer timeline that could keep him in office until September.

Burnham is expected to return to Westminster on Monday and may present a list of supporters to increase pressure. That list could reportedly include up to 200 backers as part of a push for a leadership change.

Senior Labour peer Charlie Falconer has said Starmer lacks authority because most assume a leadership change is coming. He has advised Starmer not to enter a leadership contest and instead agree to a managed handover.

Former deputy leader Harriet Harman has also said there is a clear sense of movement inside the party toward change. She believes Starmer is likely to leave office and that Burnham could become the next leader. Harman has urged Labour to act quickly, warning that ministers cannot remain in uncertainty through the summer months.

The growing uncertainty has raised concerns about political stability in the UK government, as internal disputes continue to dominate attention instead of policy work.

Inside Labour, divisions have become more visible, with different groups disagreeing on whether Starmer should remain in office or make way for new leadership under Burnham. Debates continue among MPs and peers as they weigh party unity against leadership change.

Possible outcomes range from Starmer staying in post after winning support, to a formal leadership contest that could reshape the party leadership structure in the near future. Some insiders expect a quick decision to avoid deeper uncertainty within government.

The coming days are expected to be crucial for the future of UK leadership, as pressure builds on all sides and Labour prepares for possible major change at the top of government. All eyes remain on Monday for any official statement.