Keir Starmer expected to resign as UK prime minister

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation on Monday following intense pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor who dominated Thursday's byelection with over 50% of the vote and a 9,000-plus majority.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle signalled on Sunday that Starmer was "reflecting on political realities" over the weekend. While Downing Street denied resignation plans, Kyle's refusal to push back on imminent change and his comment that Starmer was considering "what putting country first means" suggested capitulation was underway.

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Burnham now commands backing from approximately 200 Labour MPs, half the parliamentary party. That number has grown since Thursday's landslide. Ministers previously loyal to Starmer delivered an ultimatum Friday: announce a timetable for departure by weekend's end or face being forced out at Tuesday's cabinet meeting.

Starmer's departure marks a dramatic reversal. Just two years ago, Labour won a landslide general election with a 174-seat majority.

Yet controversies over winter fuel payments, the Peter Mandelson Washington appointment, and repeated U-turns have left him deeply unpopular. Labour has slumped in polls, while Reform UK has led 300+ consecutive national polls.

Many Labour MPs now believe changing leaders is essential to prevent Nigel Farage's Reform from becoming the next governing party.

Burnham is expected to take over without a contest, a coronation rather than a contested election. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledged to seek the leadership and claims sufficient backer support, but allies of both Starmer and Burnham remain sceptical.

Starmer's resignation will make him the seventh UK prime minister in ten years.