Labour grandees turning on Starmer marks the painful end of his premiership

Senior figures within the Labour Party are pressing Keir Starmer to resign as leadership questions sharpen around Downing Street. Lord Charlie Falconer told BBC Radio 4 that Starmer should not stand in a leadership contest against Andy Burnham, calling a contest 'very difficult' and 'bad for the country.' Former deputy leader Harriet Harman and former home secretary Alan Johnson have joined the chorus, with MPs and ministers including Heidi Alexander, Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper reportedly urging him to step down. The episode follows Burnham’s strong showing in Makerfield, reinforcing calls for a Burnham-led challenge rather than a coronation for Starmer.

The growing discontent highlights a potential turning point for Labour's leadership, as roughly 100 MPs have publicly urged resignation. Analysts note Starmer’s authority appears diminished and isolated as Reform UK gains ground elsewhere, complicating the party’s unity and electoral strategy. While some veterans back Starmer, the mounting sentiment fuels a broader debate about whether the party can transition to new leadership without impeding its current agenda. The dynamic signals a fraught path for Labour amid a volatile political climate.