Starmer resignation speculation escalated on Sunday after President Donald Trump claimed U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will step down, posting what amounted to a pre-emptive announcement before any formal statement from the British leader.
In a message on his Truth Social account, Trump argued Starmer “failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!),” reigniting debate about the UK government’s direction and the prime minister’s grip on power.
Trump’s post came as British media reported rising expectation inside Westminster that Starmer could soon set out an exit plan.
Sources cited by the BBC said the prime minister may announce a timetable for his resignation as early as Monday, after months of internal pressure.
A 10 Downing Street spokesperson, Patrick Dwyer-Cummins, referred reporters to Starmer’s remarks to Labour staff on Friday, when he insisted “there's more to do, and that's what I'm focused on.”
Starmer has repeatedly said he will not “walk away” and would fight any leadership challenge. But the political atmosphere has shifted in recent days, with several insiders telling the BBC the mood in government has changed markedly in the past 48 hours.
Insiders cite by-election shock and leadership doubts
The BBC reported that Business Secretary Peter Kyle suggested the prime minister would do “what is in the best interests of the country,” adding that Starmer was weighing “political realities.”
Labour MPs have increasingly argued that the party’s problem is “the man at the top,” citing concerns about Starmer’s personal popularity.
The Makerfield by-election result has intensified that unease, with Andy Burnham’s decisive win, beating Reform comfortably, fueling talk of an alternative leader with a record of confronting Nigel Farage’s party.
Dozens of MPs had already urged Starmer to quit, and the BBC reported that list has grown since Thursday, with senior cabinet voices adding support privately.
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