Starmer considers resignation as cabinet mutiny grows after Burnham by-election victory

The trigger: Burnham's by-election win

Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a decisive margin, nearly doubling Labour's majority and securing a parliamentary seat from which to mount a leadership challenge. In his victory speech, Burnham warned the party had a "final chance to change".

Starmer's defiant stance crumbles

On Friday morning, Starmer told reporters he would fight any contest.

If there is a contest, I will stand, and I've said repeatedly I'm not going to walk away.

But by Friday evening the mood had shifted. The Observer reported Starmer was discussing his future with his wife at Chequers, and senior Labour figures expected a statement as soon as Monday.

Cabinet ministers turn

Business Secretary Peter Kyle, a close ally, told the BBC on Sunday that Starmer was "taking the time to think through what the political realities are today compared to last week."

The prime minister was calm. He was thoughtful. He led the conversation. He was thinking about what is best for the country.

Meanwhile, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, energy secretary Ed Miliband, home secretary Shabana Mahmood and transport secretary Heidi Alexander have all reportedly told Starmer to set an exit timetable. Over 100 Labour MPs have called for his resignation.

Timeline of the crisis

1. Jun 19, 2026Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, gaining a parliamentary seat.
2. Starmer says he will fight any leadership challenge.
3. Jun 20, 2026Reports emerge that Starmer is discussing resignation with his wife at Chequers.
4. Jun 21, 2026Business Secretary Peter Kyle says Starmer is reflecting on 'political realities'; cabinet ministers urge him to set an exit timetable.
5. Jun 23, 2026Tuesday cabinet meeting deadline: Starmer risks mass resignations if he does not announce a departure plan.

What happens next

Starmer faces a Tuesday morning cabinet deadline to announce a departure plan or risk a wave of ministerial resignations. If he resigns, Burnham is widely expected to become Labour leader and prime minister. The UK would have its seventh prime minister in a decade.