LONDON — Labour lawmakers formally renewed calls on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure before leaving office, intensifying pressure on the British leader ahead of his resignation announcement on Monday.
The calls followed weeks of growing unrest within the governing Labour Party after poor electoral performances and declining support among party members and lawmakers. Several Labour MPs, ministers and parliamentary aides had publicly urged Starmer to provide a clear schedule for stepping down to allow an orderly leadership transition, according to statements issued by lawmakers and reports from British media.
On Monday, Starmer confirmed that he would resign as prime minister after losing the confidence of much of his parliamentary party, setting in motion a contest to choose his successor. Reuters reported that Starmer acknowledged he no longer had sufficient backing within Labour to lead the party into the next national election.
The pressure campaign against Starmer had gathered momentum since local election setbacks earlier this year. More than 60 Labour MPs were reported to have supported calls for a departure timetable, while some cabinet ministers and junior government aides also urged him to outline a succession plan.
Among those calling for a timetable was Labour MP Peter Lamb, who said a clear schedule for departure had become necessary to prevent further damage to the party. Other lawmakers argued that any replacement should be selected through a full leadership contest rather than an uncontested succession.
The debate over Starmer’s future intensified after the return of former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to Westminster, a development that many Labour figures viewed as opening a potential path to a change in leadership. Burnham quickly emerged as the leading contender to replace Starmer, receiving endorsements from senior party figures, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
In his resignation statement, Starmer pledged to support an orderly transition. “I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover,” he said, according to Reuters.
Labour said nominations for the leadership contest are scheduled to open in July. According to Reuters, a new party leader could be in place by September if the contest proceeds on the current timetable. Starmer is expected to remain in office during the transition period while the party selects his successor.
