UK PM Starmer faces growing calls to set timetable for his exit as rival Burnham says Labour has last chance to change

Published 20 June 2026 · politics

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now facing growing calls to set a timetable for his exit from 10 Downing Street after rival Andy Burnham

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now facing growing calls to set a timetable for his exit from 10 Downing Street after rival Andy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a leadership challenge. An increasing number of Labour MPs are now asking Starmer to announce his plans to hand power to Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, to avert a potentially messy leadership race, the BBC reported on Friday (local time). Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What prompted demands for UK PM Keir Starmer to announce an exit timetable? ⌵ Growing dissatisfaction among Labour MPs, following poor local election performances and Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, has led to calls for Starmer to set a timetable for his resignation. 2 Why is Andy Burnham considered a potential challenger to Keir Starmer? ⌵ Burnham's recent victory in the Makerfield constituency strengthens his position as a contender for leadership, particularly as Labour faces pressure to change direction and recover lost support. 3 How could Andy Burnham’s win in the by-election affect Labour's leadership dynamics? ⌵ Burnham's win may compel Starmer to consider stepping aside to avoid a divisive leadership contest, as it demonstrates Burnham's appeal and the urgency for Labour to regain public support.

4 What steps must Andy Burnham take to formally challenge Keir Starmer for leadership? ⌵ Burnham needs to secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs, which constitutes 20% of the parliamentary party, to trigger a leadership challenge against Starmer. 5 Should Keir Starmer resign to prevent a leadership contest within the Labour Party? ⌵ With growing calls for change and heavy pressure from Labour MPs following poor election results, resigning could allow for a smoother transition of leadership, potentially avoiding a messy contest. Also Read | Keir Starmer Breaks Silence On Belfast Violence In Parliamentary Address Starmer gets a weekend deadline? Burnham allies have asked the UK PM to reflect over the weekend and pay attention to his cabinet members, MPs, and family. According to the report, Burnham's team and another potential challenger, Wes Streeting, have claimed that they will not be giving any interviews over the weekend to allow Starmer some time to change his mind regarding leaving Downing Street. A crucial moment for the UK prime minister could come next Tuesday, when all his senior ministers will be expected to gather for the weekly cabinet meeting. Starmer seeks support Starmer, who has previously insisted that he will fight any challenge and refused to "walk away" from the job, on Friday called several cabinet ministers to seek support.