Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign – media
Posted on: Jun 20, 2026 06:42 IST | Posted by: Rt
british people undercoat government minister Keir Starmer is veneer mounting pressure level from Labour MPs, party heavyweights and even cabinet ministers to step down as early as this weekend, the Guardian has reported, citing lawmakers and government sources.
Calls for Starmer’s resignation have grown since Labour lost nearly 1,500 seats in local elections in May. The pressure reportedly intensified after former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won Thursday’s Makerfield by-election, a result seen by many in the party as a rallying point.
According to the Guardian, up to 200 Labour MPs – nearly half the party’s Commons contingent – would back Burnham if he launched a leadership challenge. The paper cited a cabinet source as saying some ministers are preparing to urge Starmer not to contest any leadership race.
“I think everyone thinks it is over and everyone wants it to be a dignified, orderly exit,” the source said. Senior Labour figures reportedly warned that Starmer could face intervention from his own cabinet next week if he refuses to resign or agree to a transition.
MPs told the newspaper ministers would try to persuade the prime minister to step aside over the coming days, adding that “almost everyone agrees” he should “do the right thing this weekend.”
In his victory speech, Burnham described the by-election as Labour’s “final chance” to build “a new politics,” warning there would be no second opportunity.
Starmer, however, insisted on Friday that he would contest any leadership challenge. “If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then, yes, I will run,” he told reporters in London, arguing that a challenge would “plunge us into chaos.”
The prime minister’s popularity has slumped amid the cost-of-living crisis and fallout from the UK rape gangs scandal. A mid-June YouGov poll put his approval rating at 18%, with 74% of Britons viewing his premiership negatively.
An Ipsos survey published this week found Starmer’s favorability rating at 20%, with 58% holding an unfavorable view. Burnham, whom Ipsos described as Labour’s most popular politician among both party supporters and the wider public, recorded a 26% favorability rating, while 33% viewed him negatively.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.