Starmer faces leadership pressure after Makerfield by-election shock

Sir Keir Starmer has signalled that he may consider stepping down as Prime Minister as pressure mounts inside the

Sir Keir Starmer has signalled that he may consider stepping down as Prime Minister as pressure mounts inside the Labour Party, following Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election and growing calls from senior ministers for a change of leadership.

Sources close to the Prime Minister say Starmer is weighing his future with his wife and family, despite his previous insistence that he “will not walk away” from Downing Street. The Prime Minister has previously said he would listen to his family when deciding the right time to leave office.

The political pressure intensified after Cabinet figures and senior Labour voices urged Starmer to set out a timeline for his departure. Shabana Mahmood, Heidi Alexander and Ed Miliband have all called for clarity on the Prime Minister’s future.

Andy Burnham’s strong result in the Makerfield by-election has further fuelled speculation that the Greater Manchester Mayor could become a leading contender in any future Labour leadership contest. His return to Westminster has immediately changed the political debate around Labour’s direction.

While Starmer has argued that he has a mandate from Labour’s election victory and remains committed to governing, the growing internal pressure has created the biggest leadership challenge of his premiership.

Westminster is now watching closely to see whether Starmer decides to continue fighting for his position or begins the process of handing over leadership — potentially opening the way for a new Labour Prime Minister within days.