U.S. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign on Monday, June 22, and outline a timetable for his departure from office, according to reports from multiple media outlets and statements from U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a report from The Observer, Starmer has concluded that his position is no longer tenable following recent conversations with cabinet ministers, Downing Street advisers, trade union leaders, and party donors. The prime minister was described as spending the weekend at his Chequers country residence discussing his future with his wife, Victoria, prior to reaching a final decision.
Senior Labour Party figures anticipated a clear statement on his intentions as early as Monday.
The Observer report indicated that Starmer would seek an orderly transition rather than an abrupt departure, with expectations among some supporters that he might plan to stand down in September to allow a successor to be formally adopted at the Labour Party conference. Sources close to the prime minister described him as reflective and focused on what he viewed as the appropriate course for the country and the party, with emphasis placed on a deliberate process.
These reports followed the result of the Makerfield by-election on June 18, in which Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured victory with 54.8% of the vote and a majority exceeding 9,200. Burnham’s return to Parliament positioned him to launch a formal leadership challenge within the Labour Party.
Allies of Burnham claimed support from more than 200 Labour MPs, exceeding half of the parliamentary party.
Separate reporting from Reuters noted the Observer claims while including a government source statement that Starmer remained focused on governing and had previously indicated he would contest any leadership challenge. On June 19, Starmer had publicly stated his intention to fight any such contest and urged the party to avoid internal divisions.
Cabinet ministers loyal to Starmer were described in some accounts as having advised him to set out a timetable for departure by the end of the weekend or face potential intervention at a Tuesday cabinet meeting.
Figures such as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and others were among those urging clarity on his future. Over 100 Labour MPs had publicly called for Starmer to resign or establish a departure timetable, according to tallies in multiple outlets.
On Sunday morning, President Donald Trump joined the conversation by stating that, “Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!)”
Speculation regarding Starmer’s position has developed amid documented dissatisfaction within the Labour Party. This includes multiple ministerial resignations earlier in June 2026, such as those of Defence Secretary John Healey, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, and Parliamentary Private Secretary Pamela Nash, which occurred amid disputes over the government’s defense spending plans.
