British prime minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation on Monday after losing the support of large numbers of lawmakers from his own Labour Party, according to reports in the British press.
If confirmed, the move would pave the way for Andy Burnham, one of Labour’s most prominent figures, to take over as leader of the party and become Britain’s next prime minister.
Burnham, who until now has served as the mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England, returned to the UK Parliament last week after winning a parliamentary by-election in the constituency of Makerfield. His victory accelerated a growing revolt against Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer won a landslide general election victory in July 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. However, his government has since been weakened by policy reversals, infighting, and falling public support. More than 100 Labour lawmakers are reported to have called for him to step aside.
The Prime Minister spent the weekend at the government’s country residence, Chequers, consulting advisers and family members. While no formal announcement had been made by Monday morning, reports suggest that most officials in Downing Street expect him to resign.
Several senior Labour figures have indicated that they would prefer an orderly transfer of power rather than a lengthy leadership contest. Burnham’s allies are reportedly seeking a transition period lasting until September, allowing him time to prepare a new government and policy programme.
The prospect of a change in leadership has unsettled financial markets. The British pound fell to a two-month low against the U.S. dollar on Monday amid uncertainty over the country’s political direction and concerns that a Burnham government could increase public spending.
If Starmer steps down, Britain would be set to get its seventh prime minister in just ten years—and the fourth in the four-year reign of King Charles III—highlighting the extraordinary political instability that has characterised much of the past decade.
