More Than 100 Labour MPs Call for Starmer to Set Exit Timetable

More than 100 Labour MPs have publicly called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign or set out a timetable for departure. The figure represents roughly a quarter of all Labour members in the House of Commons, according to a Reuters tally drawn from their public statements.

An Observer article reported that Starmer had reached a decision to resign after discussions with cabinet ministers, advisers, donors and trade union leaders.

The Japan Times and South China Morning Post both carried the report on 21 June 2026. The same reports stated that Starmer was at his Chequers residence discussing his future with his wife. A government source told the outlets on 21 June 2026 that Starmer remained focused on governing and pointed to previous statements he has made to that effect.

On Friday, 19 June 2026, Starmer said he would fight any challenge to his leadership and urged Labour not to tear itself apart with infighting. Andy Burnham, 56, won a parliamentary by-election on 19 June 2026 after defeating the candidate from Nigel Farage’s party. The seat gives him eligibility to mount a formal leadership challenge.

Burnham previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester. In his victory address, he promised a new path for the country. His allies have urged Starmer to agree to step down and hand over power voluntarily.

Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide election victory in 2024. The Japan Times and South China Morning Post reports did not include the Observer’s characterization of Starmer’s unpopularity or reference to policy U-turns and scandals.