Starmer ‘facing reality’ amid growing demands to resign

Sir Keir Starmer is understood to be discussing a plan to hand over the Labour leadership to Andy Burnham amid a growing belief that he will announce his timetable for departure today.

- DAVID MADDOX POLITICAL EDITOR

The prime minister spent the weekend in the country residence, Chequers, taking soundings from ministers, friends, allies and his wife Victoria.

It is understood the former Greater Manchester mayor wants to wait until September to take over the Labour leadership and a delay would, according to a source, “allow the prime minister to secure his legacy.”

The source said the prime minister is “working towards” a handover after the summer recess but MPs suggest it could be as early as mid-July.

In what appeared to be a symbolic moment, Labour MPs received an invitation to join Mr Burnham for a photocall in parliament at 3pm tomorrow to mark his return to Westminster. One MP noted: “Let the coronation begin.”

Any handover deal would depend on an agreement with Wes Streeting who has made it clear he also wants to run for the leadership.

A number of Labour MPs are concerned that a September handover will provide more delay and uncertainty.

One backbencher said: “Three more months of incapacitated government to go with the five months we’ve already had building up to this point. The Labour Party doesn't understand the nature or realities of power.”

The revelation came after tech secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that Sir Keir is considering resigning as he spends the weekend “thinking through the political realities” of his situation.