Keir Starmer expected to resign as UK prime minister following pressure from rival Andy Burnham

The UK PM is expected to resign on Monday as pressure on his position grows, though a government source indicates Starmer stays focused on carrying out his governing responsibilities.

Britain's Observer newspaper reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to announce his resignation on Monday along with a schedule for leaving office. A government official noted that Starmer is concentrating on his duties as leader.

The challenge to Starmer's leadership, which has been mounting for months, grew significantly on Friday after rival Andy Burnham secured a parliamentary seat enabling him to mount a formal bid for the top post.

The Observer account indicated Starmer was consulting with his wife at the Chequers residence ahead of a final choice, with senior Labour members anticipating a clear announcement on his plans as soon as Monday.

Nevertheless, a government official stated that Starmer continues to prioritize his role and referenced earlier remarks affirming that commitment.

The British leader declared on Friday that he would resist any leadership challenge and called on Labour to avoid internal divisions.

Starmer's popularity plummeting, Labour losing ground

Starmer guided the center-left Labour Party to a decisive election victory in 2024 but has grown highly unpopular due to multiple scandals and policy reversals that have left many voters doubting his ability to raise living standards as promised.

Should he step down or be removed, the nation would install its seventh prime minister in just over ten years, marking the highest rate of turnover in nearly two centuries amid widespread frustration with repeated government shortcomings on public services and illegal immigration.

Over 100 Labour lawmakers, about a quarter of the party's House of Commons members, have openly called for Starmer to resign or outline an exit timeline, based on a Reuters count.

The Observer story, citing unnamed sources, said Starmer concluded his position was unsustainable after discussions with cabinet ministers, advisers, donors, and union leaders.

Burnham waiting in the wings

Burnham, a 56-year-old career politician, is viewed by many in Labour as the leading candidate to succeed Starmer, either via an agreed handover or a contested leadership race.

After establishing influence as mayor of Greater Manchester, he easily defeated a challenge from Nigel Farage's right-wing populist party to capture a vacant parliamentary seat on Friday.

Burnham avoided an immediate formal challenge but pledged a fresh direction for the country in his victory speech. His supporters have pressed Starmer to step aside voluntarily.

Former health minister Wes Streeting has also expressed readiness to contest the leadership.

The Times reported on Saturday that Burnham would dismiss finance minister Rachel Reeves if he became prime minister, following advice that she did not signal enough change.

Reuters could not immediately confirm that account.