Sir Keir Starmer is increasingly expected to announce that he will set out a timetable for his departure on Monday as pressure builds for him to resign.
Sir Keir is said to be spending the weekend discussing the matter with his family and considering his future at Chequers before making a final decision. But he has reportedly reached the conclusion that he cannot continue as Labour leader.
He issued a Father’s Day message on Sunday in his first words to the public since over 100 MPs called for his resignation.
“Being a dad is my greatest joy,” he wrote in a post on social media along with a picture of himself with his late father. “Today, I’m thinking about my dad, and the father I am to my children because of him. Happy Father’s Day.”
Sir Keir faces a “hard deadline” of Tuesday morning’s cabinet meeting to step down, insiders told The Independent’s David Maddox.
Read MoreAndy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election landslide to pave way for challenge to Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ who could be the next prime minister
Who are Andy Burnham’s key allies in Westminster?
Makerfield by-election key points
- Trump says Starmer will resign after 'failing badly on immigration and energy'
- Starmer 'ready to resign' as PM, according to reports
- Starmer given deadline: ‘Quit by Tuesday or face humiliation’
- Analysis: Labour MPs invite to photocall with Burnham feels like a coronation
- Cabinet to tell Starmer his 'time is up'
Analysis: Labour MPs invite to photocall with Burnham feels like a coronation
19:32 , David MaddoxIt is fair to say that when Labour wins a by-election there is usually a photo call invite to Labour MPs when the winner arrives in parliament, writes Political Editor David Maddox.
But this one has been received differently. An invitation for the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) office has gone out for a photo call with Andy Burnham at 3pm in Westminster Hall on Monday.
With an expectation that prime minister Sir Keir Starmer is working up a deal to hand over the leadership of the party and his job as PM over to Mr Burnham the invitation is already being described as "a coronation."
Normally most MPs do not make it to these photo calls but this one is expected to have almost everyone present. The 3pm timing is conveniently after the morning time that the prime minister is expected to make his fateful announcement at the podium in Downing Street that he is to relinquish power.
The only issue now maybe is if enough MPs back an alternative candidate to run against Mr Burnham in a contest. Otherwise the photo call may as well be a coronation.
Waiting till September for Starmer to resign will mean 'Burnham premiership will be defined by Starmer's decisions'
19:07 , Holly BancroftConcerns are growing around suggestions that Sir Keir Starmer could wait until September to step down, despite reports that the prime minister could announce a timetable as early as Monday.
One minister has told The Times that Andy Burnham’s premiership could be “defined by Starmer’s decisions” if the handover does not happen until the autumn.
There are Nato and EU summits next month, where key decisions on defence spending, will need to be made, The Times’s Aubrey Allegretti writes.
One MP said: “A summer of waiting is stupid and incredibly self-indulgent”.
PM 'hasn't yet made decision to quit' - reports
18:27 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer has “genuinely not made a decision to quit” yet, according to ITV’s Political Editor Robert Peston.
He has spoken to a cabinet minister today who says that the prime minister hasn’t made a decision either way. Writing in a post on X, Robert Peston said: “The minister says that if Keir Starmer’s wife Vic were to encourage him to fight on, he might just do that - though the minister assumes there is a low probability of such an outcome.
“All this says to me that my Friday judgement still holds, that the uncertainty could drag on to Tuesday, though presumably not longer.”
Reform refuses to appear on Sunday shows after Makerfield loss as Farage ally admits party has ‘a woman problem’
17:56 , Holly BancroftReform UK’s crushing defeat in Makerfield has led to recriminations behind the scenes, with a senior party member admitting publicly it has “a woman problem”,writes Political Editor David Maddox.
The intervention from party board member and former director of communications Gawain Towler comes after Reform lost Makerfield with a candidate who was criticised for his crude social media remarks about women and proudly proclaimed himself to be a “sexist”.
But with an autopsy into the defeat already underway, Reform also turned down invitations to appear on the Sunday morning politics shows, even avoiding its preferred channel GB News.
There are also claims that pressure is being put on Mr Farage to reduce the role or sideline home affairs Zia Yusuf, whose “mass deportation” rhetoric is believed to be putting middle ground voters. Mr Yusuf has also become a hate figure for more rightwing voters who have turned to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain.
Read more from David Maddox’s piece here:
Reform ducks TV shows after loss as Farage ally admits party has ‘a woman problem’
Changing PM without election 'norm not the exception' - Labour MP
17:17 , Holly BancroftJosh Fenton-Glynn, Labour MP for Calder Valley, has said that removing a prime minister without a general election is “the norm not the exception”.
Mr Fenton-Glynn was responding to comments by Home Office minister Mike Tapp that there should a new law forcing a general election if a party forces out its leader.
Mr Tapp proposed the changes to “stop the constant churn and focus all politicians on delivery, instead of work place politics”.
Mr Fenton-Glynn replied, saying: “Mike Tapp appears surprised that we are in a parliamentary democracy! The last two prime ministers to win an election then lose their job at the next election were Major and Wilson - course correction mid term in response to the public is the norm not the exception”.
Home Office minister retweets post on Starmer feeling 'betrayed'
16:30 , Maira ButtHome Office minister Mike Tapp has retweeted a post alluding to Sir Keir Starmer’s feeling of betrayal after over 100 MPs called for his resignation after Andy Burnham’s election win in Makerfield.
The post says that a Labour source says the prime minister feels “betrayed”, according to the Politics UK account.
“He gave everything to Labour, including sacrificing much of his children’s teenage years to help make the party electable,” said the source.
“He feels deeply betrayed, especially by those he believed were loyal to him.”
'I'm seeing a lot of speculation out' - Peter Kyle
16:28 , Alex RossBusiness secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters on Sunday he had not spoken to the prime minister since Friday, when he had a “frank conversation” with him.
Asked about reports Sir Keir Starmer is planning to announce his resignation as soon as the coming week, he told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “I have nothing to believe that they are true. I’m seeing a lot of speculation out there.
“The only thing I can say with fact is that the Prime Minister is hard at work, as he is every day.
“He is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever come across, and today, as in every other day I’ve ever known Keir, he is out there working hard.
“At the same time he is also trying to create the space where he can think and reflect on the political realities and challenges, and the opportunities, that lie before us.”
Labour minister calls for law change to stop 'constant churn' of prime ministers
16:10 , Maira ButtHome office minister Mike Tapp has called for a law change to prevent a “constant churn” of prime ministers.
“Is it time to legislate; if a change of leader is forced by its own Party then a General Election must be called,” he wrote in a post on X on Sunday.
“That would stop the constant churn and focus all politicians on delivery, instead of work place politics.
“These endless ‘house of cards’ games would end and the country would benefit. Let’s legislate to focus minds.”
If Starmer is replaced the UK would be moving on to its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Full story: Trump says Starmer will resign after ‘failing badly on immigration and energy’
15:46 , Maira ButtUS president Donald Trump has said that Sir Keir Starmer “will resign” as prime minister, accusing him of “failing badly” on immigration and energy.
Mr Trump’s intervention comes as Sir Keir faces mounting pressure to set out a resignation timetable after Andy Burnham’s by-election win.
Writing on social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Mr Trump said: “Keir Starmer will resign as prime minister of the United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects - immigration and energy (Open North Sea oil!). I wish him well! President DJT”.
The post is thought to be based on media reports as the two have not spoken this weekend.
Trump says Starmer will resign after ‘failing badly on immigration and energy’
Breaking: Trump says Starmer will resign after 'failing badly on immigration and energy'
15:25 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has said that Sir Keir Starmer will resign following what he called failures on immigration and energy.
“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” he wrote on Truth Social on Sunday.
“He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well! President DJT”.
Watch: What Andy Burnham's crushing Makerfield by-election victory means for Keir Starmer
15:15 , Maira ButtWhat sort of prime minister would Andy Burnham be? Just look at Boris Johnson
14:45 , Maira ButtAndy Burnham is seizing his second chance to change history. That’s just as well, because the first time, he bottled it.
That was back in 2009 when Burnham was a member of Gordon Brown’s cabinet. Brown was struggling as prime minister, much as Keir Starmer is struggling today. There was dissent in his cabinet, just as there is today. And in early June 2009, that dissent led to the resignation of a Blairite tribune. Then it was James Purnell playing the role most recently assumed by Wes Streeting in the Starmer era.
Purnell and Burnham were close friends. They had both been special advisers in the Blair government, both parachuted into safe Labour seats in the northwest of England in their early thirties, both risen to cabinet before 40.
James Kirkup reports:
What sort of prime minister would Andy Burnham be? Just look at Boris Johnson
Green party name Greater Manchester mayoral candidate
14:15 , Maira ButtThe Green Party has announced Geraldine Coggins as the mayoral candidate for Greater Manchester on Sunday.
Following Andy Burnham stepping down from the position to run for the Makerfield constituency, another by-election has been triggered for the position he filled.
Trafford counillor Coggins told reporters on Saturday that she believed that the race would be between the Greens and Reform and vowed to put “people and planet over profits".
Starmer reflecting on ‘political realities’ amid pressure to resign
13:45 , Maira ButtBusiness secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that the prime minister is reflecting on the realities of his political situation amid pressure to resign.
“The only thing I can say with fact is that the Prime Minister is hard at work, as he is every day,” he said.
“He is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever come across, and today, as in every other day I’ve ever known Keir, he is out there working hard.
“At the same time he is also trying to create the space where he can think and reflect on the political realities and challenges, and the opportunities, that lie before us.”
He told the BBC that “whatever unfolds” in the coming days will be a “functional process”.
Starmer on the brink: PM is considering resigning, senior cabinet minister confirms
13:15 , Maira ButtKeir Starmer is considering how and when to resign as he spends the weekend “thinking through the political realities” of his situation, tech secretary Peter Kyle has confirmed.
With reports swirling that he is planning to announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, the prime minister is holed up in his country residence Chequers taking soundings from ministers, friends, allies and his wife Victoria.
However, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has told the prime minister this weekend that he should go, it is understood, repeating her demands from last month.
Starmer on the brink: PM considering resigning, confirms senior cabinet minister
Labour grandees turning on Starmer marks the painful end of his premiership
12:45 , Maira ButtWhen Charlie Falconer says the game is up, it feels like a “ravens leaving the tower” moment for Keir Starmer.
As in the legend that the fortress will fall if the ravens leave, the walls of protection that the prime minister has erected around himself in his constantly besieged premiership are about to come tumbling down.
And it is not just Tony Blair’s former lord chancellor telling the prime minister that his time is up, after Andy Burnham crushed Reform in Makerfield and now looks set to take over the party leadership and snatch the top job.
Labour grandees turning on Starmer marks the painful end of his premiership
Streeting could back down from leadership contest to allow Burnham to win, say reports
12:16 , Maira ButtLabour MPs are being called to give their support to the former Greater Manchester mayor, while it is understood that approaches have been made to former health secretary Wes Streeting, urging him to strike a deal and not try to force a contest.
There is speculation that Mr Streeting could be named as chancellor if he agrees not to run against Mr Burnham – allowing the former mayor to take over from Sir Keir in September when parliament returns after the summer recess.
This came with speculation that Rachel Reeves would be sacked as chancellor by Mr Burnham who is seeking a new approach to economic policy.
Read the full story by The Independent’s David Maddox here.
Starmer given deadline: ‘Quit by Tuesday or face humiliation’
11:45 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Sir Keir Starmer is facing “a hard deadline” of Tuesday morning’s cabinet meeting to step down, insiders say, after a senior Labour peer said the prime minister had “absolutely no authority” and should go.
As the Labour leader spent the weekend taking soundings from ministers and MPs, Downing Street denied reports on Saturday night that he is preparing to set a timetable for his departure as early as Monday.
A spokesperson pointed to his words of defiance on Friday when he insisted he would fight a challenge.
However, The Independent has learnt that allies of Andy Burnham are plotting to ensure he is installed as Labour leader quickly, in a coronation rather than a contest.
Starmer is on the precipice as pressure builds for the UK leader to resign
11:15 , Maira ButtBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a career-defining decision: step down or fight a challenge from Labour Party rival Andy Burnham.
Starmer has publicly vowed to stay in post, but pressure is building as more and more Labour Party colleagues conclude his time is up. Expectation is growing that he will announce a timetable for his resignation as soon as Monday. That’s the day Burnham will be sworn in as a lawmaker in the House of Commons after winning a special election last week.
Starmer is spending the weekend at Chequers, the country mansion used by British prime ministers, with his family.
Starmer is on the precipice as pressure builds for the UK leader to resign
Watch: It feels like 'this is it' for Keir Starmer, says Jess Phillips
10:45 , Maira ButtTory shadow chancellor Mel Stride warns about Burnham-nomics
10:25 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Tory shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride has suggested that Andy Burnham as prime minister could spark chaos in the financial markets.
With speculation he could tear up spending rules under pressure from the trade unions after saying he wants to reverse 40 years of liberal “trickle down” economics, there are fears he will undo the stability created by chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Soir Mel said: "The markets are watching. And I think Andy Burnham taking over would be bad and in the wrong direction."
He added that Mr Burnham has "flip-flopped all over the place" during the by-election.
Watch: Labour minister refuses to be drawn on Starmer's future as more than 100 MPs call for PM to quit
10:05 , Maira ButtFormer minister Jess Phillips says ‘this is it’ for Starmer
09:45 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Former home office minister Jess Phillips has told Laura Kuenssberg that “this is it” for Sir Keir Starmer and said he needs to “resign with dignity.”
But fellow Labour MP Toby Perkins told the show that “there is no need for a contest” adding that “all the indicators are going the right way.”
Luke Charters, a Burnham ally insisted that Makerfield was an important moment in political history and it is “right that the prime minister spends the weekend to reflect.”
Starmer shares Father's Day message in first words since resignation uproar
09:20 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer has issued a Father’s Day message on Sunday in his first words to the public since over 100 MPs called for his resignation.
“Being a dad is my greatest joy,” he wrote in a post on social media along with a picture of himself with his late father. “Today, I’m thinking about my dad, and the father I am to my children because of him. Happy Father’s Day.”
Wounded Reform UK declines to appear on the Sunday shows
09:02 , David MaddoxAmid claims by Reform UK sources that the party is having an autopsy after the disastrous Makerfield by-election last week it has declined opportunities to appear on the Sunday morning political shows.
Despite invitations to join BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg and Sky News’ Sir Trevor Philips nobody from Reform has been put up.
The party is even boycotting Camilla Tominey on GB News, the one channel which has been seen as more friendly to them.
It comes as board member and former director communications Gawain Towler has written for the Telegraph claiming that the party has “a woman problem” under Nigel Farage’s “blokish” leadership.
There are also claims that Mr Farage wants to sideline home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf whose “mass deportation” rhetoric has turned off voters.
Minister had 'frank conversation' with Starmer after Burnham win
09:00 , Sam RkainaThe Business Secretary said he had not spoken to the Prime Minister since Friday, when he had a “frank conversation” with him.
Peter Kyle said Sir Keir Starmer’s mindset was “calm” during the “lengthy conversation” and he talked about the interest of the country.
“As well as working really hard over this weekend, I think he is making time to reflect on the political realities, challenges, and opportunities that he finds himself in.
“I think that is what people would expect him to be doing at this moment in time,” he told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.
Asked if it was time for Sir Keir Starmer to relinquish office, he said: “I had a very frank conversation with the Prime Minister about all these issues and much more on Friday.
“My priority when I think what my role is in putting the country first is to uphold the authority of this government, to make sure that we can govern through a moment of political challenge, and that we are 100% focused on delivering.”
Major cabinet changes on the way?
08:58 , David MaddoxPeter Kyle has told Sky News that he texted Andy Burnham to congratulate him on his “remarkable victory” in the Makerfield by-election.
But he told Sir Trevor Phillips that Mr Burnham did not respond to his text. He said that Mr Burnham was busy and “my text did not ask for a response.”
But it underlines speculation that if Mr Burnham becomes prime minister there will be wholesale changes to the cabinet.
A number of the Sunday newspapers have speculated on Rachel Reeves’ potential successor as chancellor on the assumption she would not remain in any Burnham government.
'The prime minister is out there working hard'
08:54 , Sam RkainaAsked about reports Sir Keir Starmer is planning to announce his resignation, Business Secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “I have nothing to believe that they are true. I’m seeing a lot of speculation out there.
“The only thing I can say with fact is that the Prime Minister is hard at work, as he is every day.
“He is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever come across, and today, as in every other day I’ve ever known Keir, he is out there working hard.
“At the same time he is also trying to create the space where he can think and reflect on the political realities and challenges and the opportunities that lie before us.”
Minister refuses to be drawn on Starmer's future
08:49 , Sam RkainaSecretary of State for Business and Trade is on Sky News this morning and doing his best to swerve every question on the future of No 10.
Host Trevor Phillips has asked repeatedly about the leadership challenge Sir Keir Starmer is widely expected to face from newly elected Andy Burnham next week.
Mr Kyle says he “will not be drawn on speculation”, adding that he messaged Mr Burnham after his big byelection win but has not received a response.
Pressure builds on Sir Keir Starmer to resign: What to expect on Sunday
07:09 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer is reportedly spending the weekend at Chequers with his wife Victoria considering whether he should stay as prime minister and fight a leadership contest or whether he should walk away gracefully.
Pressure was building on the Labour leader on Saturday, with multiple reports saying that Sir Keir had realised that he can no longer stay as prime minister.
Business secretary Peter Kyle will be representing the cabinet on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg this morning as the discussion over Sir Keir’s future heats up further.
He will be joined by shadow chancellor Mel Stride, former cabinet secretary Simon Case, former Downing Street director of political strategy Paul Ovenden and Labour peer John Hutton. Also on the show will be Labour MPs Toby Perkins, Jess Phillips, and Luke Charters.
Monday will bring Andy Burnham to Westminster in his first day as MP for Makerfield.
Burnham allies 'confident of a coronation' as Labour leader
06:40 , Holly BancroftAllies of Andy Burnham are reportedly growing confident that he will be crowned prime minister rather than face a prolonged contest for Labour leadership.
Mr Burnham is hopeful that he will have enough support from MPs to trigger a contest for the top job, The Guardian reported.
Cabinet ministers warned Sir Keir on Friday that if he chose to fight a leadership contest rather than setting out a timetable for departure then he would face a series of painful resignations. Paving the way for a potential coronation of Mr Burnham as prime minister.
One Burnham ally told the paper: We passed every single ridiculous test that they set – to win the way Andy has won, we smashed through every single ceiling they set, I think there couldn’t be a clearer message.
“It’s not a personal thing, but we can’t afford not to do this. We’ve got to be honest with ourselves about where we are and what we need to do to keep a Labour government going and [Starmer] can’t do that sadly.
“This is an existential crisis for us.”
Green Party announce candidate for Manchester mayoralty
04:31 , Holly BancroftThe Green Party has announced councillor Geraldine Coggins as its candidate in the by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty triggered by Andy Burnham’s election as an MP.
Labour is pitching the contest as a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK, but the Greens are looking to build on their success in the Gorton and Denton by-election with a strong challenge of their own.
Ms Coggins told supporters at a launch event in Manchester that it was a straight contest between the Greens and Nigel Farage’s party as she pledged to improve transport, housing and choose “people and planet over profits”.
Former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said on Saturday that his Restore party would stand a candidate and announce the name next week.
Ms Coggins, councillor for Trafford in Greater Manchester since 2018 – who is originally from Ireland, is a published academic with a background in leadership, public finance and strategic decision-making, the party said.
Senior Keir ally says there's 'just a 25% chance he fights on'
03:30 , Holly BancroftA senior ally of Sir Keir Starmer has told The Sun that they believe there is “just a 25 per cent chance he fights on now”.
Sir Keir is facing mounting pressure to set out a timetable to resign, with The Observer reporting this could happen as soon as Monday.
A Labour peer told the paper that they think Sir Keir sees that “stopping ‘chaos’ (as he rightly put it) is now not possible by staying.”
No 10 said Sir Keir’s position remained unchanged from Friday, when he said he will not “walk away” from Downing Street and that he plans to stand in any potential contest.
He warned Labour staffers during a call on Friday lunchtime to avoid “plunging our party and our country into chaos by turning on each other and tearing apart our party and our movement”.
He is understood to have spoken to a number of Cabinet ministers on Friday, some of whom are reported to have told him he should set out a timetable for his departure.
Pro-Burnham ministers 'told not to resign'
02:26 , Holly BancroftMinisters eager to support Andy Burnham’s Labour leadership challenge have been told “not to resign” by his team, but instead to tell Sir Keir Starmer that he needs to set out a timetable to step down.
One Burnham camp insider told The Sunday Times: “Don’t get trigger happy, right? Go and speak to [Starmer] and tell him in no uncertain terms that he needs to set out a timetable.”
They added: “For some, it’ll be the third time they’ve said that to him. So I’m not sure that’s going to work all of a sudden. But there’s going to be more of them than before.”
Ministers that have told Sir Keir he needs to resign include the transport secretary Heidi Alexander, and the chief whip Jonathan Reynolds, according to reports.
Labour loyalists turn on the PM
01:13 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer is considering his position after being told by “not the usual suspects” that he should step down as prime minister, according to a report.
A government source told The Sunday Telegraph that Sir Keir has been reflecting on his future as those pressing on him that he should resign are “different - they are not the usual suspects”.
One Labour MP, who the paper said is usually considered to be a loyalist, said he believed Sir Keir could set a date to leave as soon as Monday.
They said that Sir Keir’s support had wained so much that “there’s no one left”.
One Keir ally told The Sun: “I think there is just a 25 per cent chance he fights on now.”
Rachel Reeves 'out as Chancellor' if Burnham takes over
Sunday 21 June 2026 00:19 , Holly BancroftRachel Reeves would lose her job as Chancellor if Andy Burnham takes over as prime minister, The Sunday Times is reporting.
According to the paper, the Burnham camp have decided that keeping Ms Reeves in position would not “represent a sufficient change in direction”.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden have all been floated as potential replacements, according to the report.
Starmer 'ready to resign' as PM, according to reports
Saturday 20 June 2026 22:59 , Holly BancroftSir Keir Starmer has realised that the “game is up” and is preparing to resign, according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph.
A senior government figure has told the paper that Sir Keir has realised he cannot cling on as prime minister and is considering how he could “shore up his legacy” before he is replaced.
The source said that there had been “quite a bit of movement” among cabinet ministers over whether Sir Keir should stay on, piling pressure on the Labour leader.
One government figure said that “something will have happened by the end of the week”, and warned that if Sir Keir did not resign “we could end up in mass resignation territory”.
Andy Burnham, who is now an MP after a resounding win in Makerfield, is said to favour a coronation as leader, rather than a contest over who should run the Labour party.
Starmer 'expected to resign as early as Monday' - report
Saturday 20 June 2026 22:30 , Alex RossAs the Labour leader spent the weekend taking soundings from ministers and MPs, a Downing Street source denied reports on Saturday night that he is preparing to set a timetable for his departure as early as Monday.
The Observer reported that a friend of Sir Keir said he would be arranging “a deliberate slow march in good order, as a matter of duty and dignity” from as early as Monday. But Downing Street denied the claim.
The Downing Street source pointed to his words of defiance on Friday when he insisted he would fight a challenge.
Starmer given deadline: ‘Quit by Tuesday or face humiliation’
Saturday 20 June 2026 22:20 , Alex RossSir Keir Starmer is facing “a hard deadline” of Tuesday morning’s cabinet meeting to step down, insiders say, after a senior Labour peer said the prime minister had “absolutely no authority” and should go.
The Independent has learnt that allies of Andy Burnham are plotting to ensure he is installed as Labour leader quickly, in a coronation rather than a contest.
Labour MPs are being called to give their support to the former Greater Manchester mayor, while it is understood that approaches have been made to former health secretary Wes Streeting, urging him to strike a deal and not try to force a contest.
Read full report here:
Starmer told to ‘quit by Tuesday or face humiliation’
Labour grandee warns against Burnham ‘coronation’
Saturday 20 June 2026 07:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKate Devlin reports:
John Hutton, who served in both Blair and Brown’s cabinets, told The Independent there “shouldn’t be a coronation”.
Lord Hutton said ”we need to know what any new leader is actually going to do. Governing from within our own comfort zone would be a disaster - there are hard choices and no easy path to stronger economic growth, better defence, welfare reforms and curbing illegal immigration.”
But he said any contest “can’t drag on” and it was “better to get it over with”.
“Changing leader will probably prove to be the easy bit,” he added. “Governing more effectively - well, that is going to be just as hard as Keir Starmer found it.”
