Sir Keir Starmer could set out a timetable for his resignation as early as Monday, according to reports, as pressure builds on the prime minister to step down following Andy Burnham’s by-election victory.
The prime minister is spending the weekend considering his future at Chequers before making a final decision but he has reportedly reached the conclusion that he cannot continue as Labour leader.
Senior Labour figures believe a “clear statement” on his department could come as early as Monday, The Observer reported. Allies of Sir Keir have also told The Sunday Telegraph that he has realised the “game is up” and he is now planning how to “shore up his legacy”.
Sir Keir faces a “hard deadline” of Tuesday morning’s cabinet meeting to step down, insiders told The Independent’s David Maddox. As the Labour leader spent the weekend taking soundings from ministers and MPs, Downing Street denied reports on Saturday night that he is preparing to set a timetable for his departure as early as Monday.
A spokesperson pointed to his words of defiance on Friday when he insisted he would fight a challenge.
