Trump claims Starmer will resign over immigration and energy failures, as Labour pressure mounts

Trump's prediction

On Sunday, former US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer "will resign." Trump accused the British leader of failing badly on two critical issues: immigration and energy. The post, which offered no evidence of direct communication with Downing Street, was widely seen as a reaction to press reports rather than inside knowledge.

Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has failed badly on two very important matters - IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY. I wish him well!

Trump's statement also took aim at other European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom he accused of weak positions on energy security and Iran policy. Meloni publicly dismissed the attacks as "senseless."

Starmer's denial and pressure

Starmer had already reaffirmed on Friday that he would fight to remain in power, following the election to parliament of his main Labour rival, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Downing Street stated the PM's position remains unchanged and that he does not intend to relinquish the mandate regardless of political pressure.

Trade minister Peter Kyle described a period of "reflection on political realities, challenges and opportunities" for Starmer, but stressed there was no official information about an imminent resignation or a transition timeline.

The prime minister has met with a wide range of people as he reflects on political realities, challenges and opportunities.

Labour party turmoil

The premier faces growing discontent inside his party. Health secretary Wes Streeting resigned on 14 May, accusing Starmer of a lack of vision. Defence secretary John Healey quit on 11 June over a dispute on military spending, alleging the government had not allocated sufficient resources for defence. These departures have added to the sense of a government under siege.

British newspapers added to the uncertainty on Sunday. The Observer reported on its front page that Starmer "would resign" on Monday, while The Sunday Telegraph said the prime minister was "ready" to leave.

Potential successor

Andy Burnham, a 56-year-old career politician who has built a power base as mayor of Manchester, is widely seen as the likeliest successor. He easily defeated the threat from Nigel Farage's right-wing populist party in Friday's by‑election. Labour sources suggest internal discussions are already underway about a leadership transition to Burnham, possibly starting in September.

If Starmer were to step down, the UK would have its seventh prime minister in just over a decade, the highest leadership turnover in nearly two centuries, reflecting public dissatisfaction with successive governments' handling of public services and illegal immigration.