Labour’s internal divisions have deepened dramatically as a growing number of MPs abandon their support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with pressure mounting for him to step aside and allow Andy Burnham to take over the party leadership.
Mounting Pressure on Starmer
Despite repeatedly insisting that he will not resign and remains determined to fight any leadership challenge, Sir Keir is facing an increasingly hostile atmosphere within his own party.
The latest unrest follows Andy Burnham’s commanding victory in the Makerfield by-election, a result that has intensified calls for a change at the top of government.
The number of Labour MPs reportedly urging Starmer to step down has now surpassed 100, reflecting a dramatic shift in opinion among parliamentarians who once stood firmly behind him.
Cabinet Figures Signal Time for Change
Senior Labour figures, including members of the Cabinet, are said to have informed the Prime Minister that his leadership has become untenable following Burnham’s electoral success.
Among those reportedly raising concerns is Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who is understood to have urged Starmer to present a clear timetable for his departure during the summer.
According to party insiders, tensions could reach a critical point at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting if no agreement on a transition plan is reached beforehand.
Concerns are also growing about the possibility of ministerial resignations if the uncertainty continues.
Former Loyalists Change Course
One of the most significant signs of Starmer’s weakening position is the change of heart among MPs who had previously defended him.
Several lawmakers who publicly rejected calls for a leadership contest after Labour’s disappointing local election results in May have now reversed their stance.
Among them is Bracknell MP Peter Swallow, who recently declared that the Prime Minister should resign and allow a successor to take over.
Swallow said he now intends to support Burnham, arguing that Labour needs fresh leadership capable of communicating the party’s achievements more effectively.
Defence Disputes Become a Turning Point
Swallow cited the resignation of former Defence Secretary John Healey as the decisive moment that changed his view.
He argued that disagreements surrounding defence spending and the delayed development of a Defence Investment Plan exposed deeper problems within the government.
While acknowledging achievements made under Starmer’s leadership, Swallow suggested that many voters had not experienced the benefits of Labour’s policies and that the party now needed a leader capable of reconnecting with the public.
Lord Falconer Calls Situation Unsustainable
Former Cabinet minister Lord Falconer has become one of the most outspoken voices demanding swift action.
He warned that the current uncertainty surrounding Labour’s leadership cannot continue and argued that Starmer has effectively lost the authority needed to govern.
According to Falconer, widespread expectations that Burnham will launch a leadership bid have left the Prime Minister unable to fully command his Cabinet, manage Parliament, or represent Britain effectively on the international stage.
Push for a Rapid Transition
Falconer has urged Burnham to secure the nominations required to trigger a formal leadership contest.
However, he also suggested that Starmer should avoid entering such a race himself, arguing that a prolonged battle would damage both the party and the country.
Instead, he proposed a managed transfer of power in which Burnham and Starmer would work together to oversee a smooth handover before Parliament begins its summer recess on July 16.
The veteran Labour figure believes that resolving the issue quickly would restore stability and allow the government to move forward with a clear direction.
Burnham’s Victory Sparks New Optimism
Supporters of Burnham argue that his Makerfield triumph has transformed morale within Labour ranks.
What had been a discouraged parliamentary party now appears energized by the prospect of new leadership.
Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, a prominent Burnham ally, has called for an orderly transition and expressed hope that discussions between Burnham and Starmer could establish a clear path forward in the coming days.
However, not everyone agrees on the timeline.
Some of Burnham’s supporters reportedly favour delaying any transfer of power until September to allow sufficient preparation for government.
Calls to Avoid a Summer of Uncertainty
Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman has warned against allowing the leadership issue to drag on for months.
She argued that ministers cannot remain in a state of uncertainty throughout the summer while major decisions await.
Her comments reflect broader concerns that prolonged speculation could hamper the government’s ability to function effectively.
Starmer Refuses to Back Down
Despite the growing rebellion, Starmer has signaled that he has no intention of leaving quietly.
Following the by-election result, he urged party members to avoid internal conflict, warning that Labour risked descending into chaos if it became consumed by infighting.
Sources close to the Prime Minister say he has assembled significant financial backing to defend his position should a formal leadership challenge emerge.
Donations supporting a potential campaign are reportedly growing rapidly.
Meanwhile, allies of former health secretary Wes Streeting continue to argue that any new leader should secure a clear mandate through a proper contest rather than inheriting the position unopposed.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming By-Election
As Labour wrestles with its leadership crisis, attention is also turning to the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election triggered by Burnham’s election to Parliament.
The contest is scheduled for July 30, with Labour expected to unveil its candidate later this month.
For now, the party remains caught between a Prime Minister determined to stay and a growing movement convinced that a leadership transition is inevitable.
Whether Starmer can survive the coming weeks may depend on how many of his remaining allies continue to stand by him.
