Cabinet Minister Says Starmer Is ‘Reflecting On Political Realities’

Keir Starmer is “reflecting on political realities” after Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield, according to a cabinet minister.

The soon-to-be-former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to challenge the prime minister’s leadership in the coming days after winning the north-west by-election.

It’s widely believed Burnham has the backing from more than enough Labour MPs to trigger a leadership contest against Starmer.

The Observer reported that the PM intends to set out a timetable for his departure on Monday, recognising that his time in office has run out.

The report comes after Starmer insisted on Friday: “If there is a contest, then yes I will run, I will stand, and I’ve said repeatedly I’m not going to walk away from that.”

Asked for his take on the beleaguered prime minister’s future, business and trade secretary Peter 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.”

Asked whether Starmer should quit, Kyle said he had a “very frank conversation with the prime minister about all these issues” on Friday, where the prime minister was “thoughtful” and calm.

“He led the conversation,” the cabinet minister said.

“Repeatedly, the prime minister asked about the country. Not once in that conversation, which was a lengthy conversation, did he ever ask about self-interest; it was always about the country. And I think that is the tone of the conversation I had with him.

“It was frank, and I think that is the mindset that the prime minister is in as he goes into this weekend, through which he has been working very hard as prime minister, as he always does, but also trying to make time to reflect on the political challenges at the moment.”

Kyle added: “My role is in putting the country first, is to uphold the authority of this government, to make sure that we can govern through a moment of political challenge, and that we are 100% focused on delivering.”

Asked about the reports that Starmer intends to resign on Monday, he said: “I have nothing to believe they are true. I’m seeing a lot of speculation out there.

“The only thing I can say with fact is that the prime minister is hard at work, as he is every day, he is one of the most hardworking people I have ever come across.”

“Does that mean you don’t know if he plans to resign or he does not plan to resign?” presenter Trevor Phillips asked.

He said both he and Starmer are “focusing on the job”.

Asked if he would vote for Starmer in a potential leadership contest, Kyle said: “I’m just not going to engage in what the days ahead look like.”

Challengers need the support of at least 81 fellow Labour MPs to successfully trigger a leadership race.

The incumbent leader does not need any nominations to be put on the ticket.

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