Starmer weighs exit as 100-plus Labour MPs push him to quit
What's next: The prime minister could set out a departure timetable as early as June 22, while Andy Burnham's new seat opens the way for a formal challenge.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is weighing whether to step down after mounting pressure inside Labour, with the Observer reporting he could outline a timetable for leaving as early as June 22. A government source pushed back, insisting Starmer remained focused on governing. The crisis deepened after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield seat on June 19, giving the Greater Manchester mayor a route to mount a formal leadership bid. More than 100 Labour lawmakers have publicly urged Starmer to quit or spell out his exit plans, according to a Reuters tally. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide in 2024, has faced backlash over scandals, policy reversals and living-standards concerns. Former health minister Wes Streeting has also indicated he would consider a challenge.