United Kingdom
Starmer to Resign!
Keir Starmer. Collected Photo.
Keir Starmer does not wish to remain in the position of UK Prime Minister, according to what he has told his close confidants. However, he will not step down abruptly. He will soon announce a timeline for his departure.
A member of Starmer's cabinet said on Saturday afternoon, "The Prime Minister has understood the political reality. He knows that the current chaotic situation cannot be sustained for long. He wants to leave with dignity and on his own terms. The head of government will announce a timeline."
Another cabinet source said it is not yet clear exactly when that announcement will be made. Some of Starmer's close aides have advised him not to make any announcement until the initial polling and campaign data from the Makerfield by-election come in.
One minister claimed, "Morgan McSweeney (the Prime Minister's former Chief of Staff) is advising him to hold on. He is saying that if the polls show a tight race or a possibility of Andy losing, there is still a chance."
However, a cabinet supporter of the Prime Minister argued, "Starmer will not risk waiting for the by-election results. That would be a 'massive humiliation' personally. If he waits and Burnham wins, it will look as though he was forced out of power."
On the other hand, an announcement of a resignation timeline by Starmer could damage Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's efforts to return to Westminster. A senior aide from the Burnham camp stated that they do not want Starmer to make any announcement before the Makerfield vote on June 18.
"If Keir Starmer remains on the ballot, a contest is guaranteed. Andy needs to campaign along the lines of— 'If you vote for me, I will go to Westminster and remove him from Downing Street.'"
Throughout the week, Starmer's state of mind and the attitude of his close advisors have fluctuated dramatically. Following a succession of resignations by junior ministers on Monday night, the government has been left shaken. The Prime Minister knows that, ultimately, he will have to concede.
(Source: Daily Mail)
