Labour calls grow for Keir Starmer to stand down as British PM – The Irish Times
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intensifying pressure to resign following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield byelection. According to reports from the Guardian and PA, high-profile Labour figures including Alan Johnson and Charlie Falconer claim Starmer has lost authority, while the Prime Minister has vowed to fight any leadership challenge.
Why is Keir Starmer facing calls to step down?
The pressure stems from Andy Burnham’s win in the Makerfield byelection, which critics argue signals a shift in party momentum. Jess Phillips, a former minister, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Burnham “proved his hypothesis” by soundly defeating Reform UK in an area where they were expected to perform well.
This result has led some Labour MPs to reverse their previous positions on a leadership election. Former home secretary Alan Johnson told LBC his message to the Prime Minister was simple: “It’s over, Keir.”
Charlie Falconer, a Labour peer and former cabinet member under Tony Blair, told BBC Radio 4 that Starmer has “absolutely no authority” because the party assumes Burnham will challenge for the leadership and win. Falconer suggested Starmer could have “at most weeks to go.”
What happens next for the Labour leadership?
While some Westminster sources believe a leadership contest could begin as early as next week, there are conflicting views on the timeline. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, a Burnham supporter, told reporters she hopes for a “managed and orderly transition” and suggested the two men meet in the coming days to agree a path forward.
Burnham’s camp is reportedly seeking a plan in the immediate future but would accept a timetable that keeps Starmer in No 10 until September. However, former deputy leader Harriet Harman told Sky News’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast that ministers cannot be left “in a state of paralysis all through the summer.”
Starmer has resisted these calls. During a call with staffers on Friday, he warned against “plunging our party and our country into chaos by turning on each other.”
How do Andy Burnham and Jeremy Corbyn differ on policy?
Despite the focus on the leadership struggle, a divide exists regarding economic strategy. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News that the media is focusing on personalities rather than politics.
Corbyn stated that while he gets on well with Burnham, he disagrees with Burnham’s economic policies. Specifically, Corbyn claimed Burnham’s approach accepts “too much of the austerity” previously imposed and fails to offer a different international direction.
| Figure | Stance on Leadership | Key Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Keir Starmer | Resisting | Avoiding party chaos; fighting challenge. |
| Andy Burnham | Rising | Proven ability to defeat Reform UK. |
| Alan Johnson | Opposing | Believes Starmer’s tenure is finished. |
Will the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection impact the struggle?
The party is now pivoting toward the Greater Manchester mayoralty byelection scheduled for July 30. Labour is expected to announce its candidate for this race on June 26.
The contest is being framed as a battle between Labour and Reform UK. However, the Green Party is attempting to disrupt this narrative. Green leader Zack Polanski described the mayoral race as a “straight up battle between the Green Party vs Reform,” attempting to build on previous success in the Gorton and Denton byelection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keir Starmer resigning immediately?
No. While facing pressure from figures like Alan Johnson and Charlie Falconer, Starmer has vowed not to “walk away” and is actively fundraising to fight a challenge.
Why is Andy Burnham’s Makerfield win significant?
According to Jess Phillips, the win proves Burnham can defeat Reform UK in areas where the party was previously expected to dominate, strengthening his case for the leadership.
When is the next key date for Labour?
Labour will announce its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoralty byelection on June 26, with the vote taking place on July 30.
What do you think about the current leadership tension within the Labour Party? Should Starmer set a departure date or fight for his position? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for real-time political updates.