SIR Keir Starmer is “reflecting on the political realities,” a Cabinet ally has said as the PM is on the brink of quitting.
Secretary failed to rule out the PM announcing his resignation as early as Monday.
A slew of Labour MPs have publicly called on Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his departure Credit: AP
MPs believe Burnham has shown Nigel Farage can be beaten Credit: AFP
He said the pair had a “frank conversation” on Friday following by-election victory.
A slew of Labour MPs have publicly called on Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his departure.
Cabinet Ministers have also privately pressured the PM to make way for Burnham who is rallying mass support.
Sir Keir, who has insisted he will fight any challenge, is spending the weekend at his Chequers estate with his wife Victoria.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle failed to rule out the PM announcing his resignation Credit: Getty
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership challenge Credit: AFP
Kyle told Sky News: “All I know for a fact is that he has been engaging in conversations with a wide, wide range of people, including myself, and that he is, as well as working really hard over this weekend.
“I think he is making time to reflect on the political realities, challenges and opportunities that he finds himself in.”
Critics told the Prime Minister to reflect on Burnham’s victory after the self- styled “King in the North” in the Makerfield by-election – seeing off Reform.
Keir Starmer said there was “far more to come” from his premiership though and emailed Labour staff to reassure them and ask for support.
The PM is also understood to have frantically called his Cabinet members in an effort to confirm their backing ahead of a potential leadership challenge.
Sir Keir called on his party to remain united rather than plunge into the chaos of a race for the top job as he scrambled to stabilise his government.
But in response Secretary Heidi Alexander told the PM he should set a timetable to quit in a move that would allow to be installed at No10.
Other Cabinet figures also think it’s all over and he should set out a timetable to quit as the number of MPs calling for him to step down grows.
A senior source told The Sun yesterday that: “ is reflecting on what is best for the party and for the country.”
His final decision will be heavily influenced by his wife Victoria who has previously counselled him to stay on in post and face down his critics.
has a leadership website and war chest ready if he decides to stay and fight a leadership election.
Some die-hard loyal Labour MPs still think the should hold on and are appalled at the coup against him.
But other party figures are terrified Labour would be wiped out at the next general election by .
However, many say shows can be beaten – and he is the man who can beat him.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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