UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce on Monday that he will step down, after overwhelming pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become Labour leader. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The Guardian's senior political correspondent, Peter Walker, reports that Starmer is stepping down under pressure from Labour MPs who want Andy Burnham to take over. The prime minister and his allies had insisted for weeks that they would fight a leadership challenge from Burnham, or anyone else, before the Makerfield byelection in which Burnham was hoping to secure a return to Westminster.
But on Sunday morning, the business secretary, Peter Kyle, told Sky News that Starmer was spending the weekend "making time to reflect on the political realities" he faces. Speaking for the government, Kyle refused to say what he thought Starmer's plans were, or what he had asked the PM to do.
This news marks a significant shift in UK politics. Starmer has led the Labour Party since 2020 and became prime minister after winning the 2024 general election. His resignation comes amid internal party disputes over leadership.
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, has been critical of Starmer's policies in recent months and has gained support from the party's left wing. His participation in the Makerfield byelection is seen as a key step toward returning to Westminster and potentially becoming prime minister.
Experts suggest that Starmer's resignation could herald a new era for the Labour Party. Burnham's leadership is likely to change the party's political direction, especially on social and economic issues.
An official statement from Starmer is expected. Full details on the reasons for his resignation and next steps may be released on Monday.