Scandal Rocks Parliament: 100 MPs Call for Starmer's Immediate Resignation!

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is facing escalating calls for his resignation, with the number of MPs publicly urging him to step down now reaching 100. This significant pressure, representing approximately a quarter of the party's 403 MPs, has intensified following Andy Burnham's recent victory in the Makerfield by-election. The growing clamor for a leadership change initially began after Labour's challenging performance in May's local elections.

Despite the mounting pressure, Sir Keir has repeatedly affirmed his intention to contest any leadership challenge, insisting he will not "walk away" from his position. He reportedly warned Labour staffers to avoid "plunging our party and our country into chaos by turning on each other and tearing apart our party and our movement." Furthermore, Sir Keir is understood to be actively building a campaign war chest, reportedly with pledges running into six figures from private donors, to defend his leadership.

However, Mr. Burnham's by-election success has emboldened numerous backbenchers and Labour grandees to openly call for Sir Keir's departure. Several MPs who had previously signed a statement rejecting calls for a leadership election have now reversed their stance. Among the most vocal critics is former home secretary Alan Johnson, who conveyed his stark message to the Prime Minister: "It’s over, Keir." Johnson acknowledged Starmer's role in significantly improving Labour's electoral standing but emphasized that his time as leader has concluded.

Internal discussions suggest a significant shift within the party. Sir Keir reportedly spoke with several Cabinet ministers who advised him to establish a clear timetable for his departure. Labour peer Charlie Falconer stated that Sir Keir now possesses "absolutely no authority" as "everybody assumes" Mr. Burnham will challenge and ultimately win the leadership. Falconer advised Sir Keir against standing in a contest, instead recommending an agreed handover, ideally before the parliamentary recess on July 16.

Andy Burnham's supporters are actively advocating for a transition. Former transport secretary Louise Haigh expressed hopes for a "managed and orderly transition," suggesting that Sir Keir and Mr. Burnham should meet to agree on a path forward. While Mr. Burnham's camp desires Sir Keir to outline his plans in the coming days, they would reportedly be amenable to a timetable that sees him remain in No 10 until September. Conversely, former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman urged the party to act more swiftly, warning against leaving ministers in a "state of paralysis all through the summer." Harman confidently predicted a "sense of collective movement" within Labour, asserting that "Andy Burnham is going to become prime minister. Keir Starmer is going to be leaving office."

Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, who resigned as a minister last month, commended Mr. Burnham's performance in Makerfield. She highlighted his ability to "beat off Reform absolutely soundly in an area that absolutely should have been delivered to Reform," suggesting this victory "proved his hypothesis" and earned him the right to present his case to the Parliamentary Labour Party. Peter Swallow, an MP who initially supported Sir Keir but has since withdrawn his backing, echoed these sentiments, stating it is "now the right time for the Prime Minister to resign and hand over to someone else" and confirming his support for Andy Burnham.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn voiced his confusion regarding Sir Keir’s current strategy, questioning what it entails beyond a vow to fight, and wondering if the party is on the cusp of a "coronation of Andy Burnham." Corbyn also noted the peculiar absence of any significant policy debate amidst the leadership turmoil. While the leadership debate rages, Sir Keir and his allies in the Parliamentary Labour Party have emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, which was triggered by Mr. Burnham’s election and is scheduled for July 30. Labour is set to announce its candidate on June 26, positioning the contest as a two-horse race against Reform UK, although the Green Party is also expected to mount a strong challenge, building on past successes.