A political storm is battering the United Kingdom this weekend. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in office since July 2024, is reportedly considering his resignation after the crushing victory of his internal rival Andy Burnham in the by-elections in Makerfield, a key district in northwest England.

A Defeat That Changed Everything

On Friday, June 20, 2026, Andy Burnham —Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017— achieved a resounding triumph that nearly doubled the Labour Party's majority in Makerfield. This result not only consolidated Burnham as the party's most popular figure but also set off alarm bells in Downing Street.

Media Anticipates Resignation

According to the newspaper The Observer on its front page of Sunday, June 21, 2026, "Starmer was expected to resign" on Monday. The Sunday Telegraph also indicated that the Prime Minister was "ready" to step down, citing close allies.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle told Sky News that Starmer is "taking time to reflect on political realities, challenges, and opportunities." He also confirmed having a "frank" conversation with the Prime Minister on Friday.

Pressure from Within the Government

The situation worsened when it emerged that Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary and one of the highest-ranking ministers, had allegedly asked Starmer to resign. This revelation marks a turning point in the Labour Party's internal crisis.

A Decade of Unprecedented Instability

If Starmer steps down this year, Great Britain will have its seventh Prime Minister in a decade, a rotation rate unprecedented in its modern history. This instability reflects a deep crisis in the British political system.

Burnham's Path to Power

Burnham has made clear his intention to run for Labour Party leadership. In his victory speech, he warned that the party has "one last chance to change." If successful, he would become Prime Minister by default, given that the Labour Party holds a large parliamentary majority.

According to British media reports, Burnham plans to replace Chancellor Rachel Reeves, while keeping Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in her position.

Donald Trump's Prediction

U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, stating that "Keir Starmer is going to resign as Prime Minister," adding that he "failed miserably on important issues."

What Comes Next

Starmer has insisted he will fight any attempt to remove him. However, the crushing defeat in last month's local and regional elections in England, Scotland, and Wales intensified pressure. The former Labour MP for Makerfield resigned precisely to allow Burnham to run in that district.

Burnham will take his seat in Parliament on Monday, June 22, 2026, when the next steps in this political crisis keeping the United Kingdom in suspense are expected to be defined.