UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation plans as early as June 22. If Starmer steps down, Andy Burnham, who recently returned to the House of Commons through a by-election, is seen as a potential successor.
The Guardian reported on June 21, citing cabinet ministers, that Starmer plans to clarify his position regarding his future outside 10 Downing Street on the morning of June 22. If he does resign, the UK would welcome its seventh Prime Minister in the past decade.
Starmer had maintained his intention to challenge Burnham for the party leadership until recently. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that as of June 20, Starmer was still committed to facing Burnham's challenge.
However, the situation changed when Burnham achieved a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, marking his return to Westminster after leaving Parliament in 2017. This development has positioned Burnham as a viable alternative to Starmer, leading to increased pressure within the Labour Party regarding Starmer's future.
According to The Guardian, more than six cabinet ministers privately conveyed to Starmer that “the time has come.” With a cabinet meeting scheduled for June 23, further pressure is anticipated, prompting Starmer to reportedly spend the weekend at his country residence, Chequers, considering his resignation options.
The most likely scenario is that Starmer will remain in office until the fall before stepping down. This would allow the new Labour leader time to rally support ahead of the Labour Party's annual conference at the end of September.
One cabinet minister told The Guardian, “Andy does not have a team ready to enter Downing Street and needs time to prepare,” adding that this would also give Keir a chance to set a path for his departure.
However, uncertainties remain. Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as health minister, has expressed his intention to run if a leadership contest occurs. Additionally, there are conflicting views within the Labour Party regarding the need for a formal contest to validate Burnham's policies and governance plans versus the urgency of a swift transfer of power to minimize internal turmoil.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also publicly mentioned the possibility of Starmer's resignation. On June 21, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the UK. He has failed greatly on two very important issues: immigration and energy.” He added, “Open up the North Sea oil and good luck to him.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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