British Prime Minister Faces Possible Resignation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer could be compelled to resign within the coming week, according to multiple media reports. Sources within the Labour Party have indicated that internal discussions are intensifying over Starmer’s future at the helm.

The controversy centres on Starmer’s recent approval of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States. The decision has sparked widespread debate, primarily because of Mandelson’s past associations with the convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal surrounding this connection has already led to the resignation of Starmer’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, on Sunday.

Bloomberg reports that numerous Labour MPs are astonished that Starmer remains in office, given that he personally sanctioned Mandelson’s diplomatic appointment. According to insiders, several officials within the 10 Downing Street office are covertly encouraging cabinet members to persuade the Prime Minister to step down. Some ministers are reportedly prepared to resign themselves to expedite Starmer’s departure. One senior advisor described the likelihood of a resignation as “fifty-fifty” within the next week.

Possible Cabinet Changes

In a bid to retain his position, Starmer may consider reinstating former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to the government. Rayner had previously resigned from the cabinet in September after allegations surfaced regarding unpaid stamp duty on a flat she purchased in southern England. Additionally, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is reportedly being considered for a more senior ministerial role. Prior to the recent controversy, both Rayner and Miliband had been viewed as potential successors should Starmer step down.

Potential Successors

British media outlets have speculated on a wider list of potential successors, which includes senior figures across key cabinet positions:

A resignation by Starmer would not automatically trigger a general election. Instead, the Labour Party could elect a new leader through an internal party vote, who would then assume responsibility for running the government. This scenario mirrors the Conservative Party’s experience in 2022, when Boris Johnson and Liz Truss were both replaced as Prime Minister within a single year.

Political analysts warn that Starmer’s potential resignation, coupled with ongoing cabinet reshuffles, could significantly influence both domestic policies and the UK’s international diplomatic relations. With tensions mounting inside the Labour Party, the coming week may prove decisive in shaping the country’s political leadership for the foreseeable future.