UK PM Starmer to resign as early as Monday amid leadership buzz- Report

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to announce his resignation as early as Monday, potentially outlining a timeline for his departure, following intense internal pressure and a significant shift in government sentiment over the weekend. This comes despite initial denials and Starmer's recent public vow to fight any challenge to his leadership. The immediate catalyst appears to be the recent Makerfield by-election, where Andy Burnham, the popular Greater Manchester Mayor, secured a seat in the House of Commons, clearing his path to launch a formal challenge for the Labour Party leadership. Starmer's premiership has been plagued by declining popularity, policy U-turns, and poor electoral showings in recent local elections, leading many Labour MPs to deem his position untenable. Business Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed Starmer is 'reflecting on the political realities' he faces, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The impending announcement will trigger a high-stakes Labour leadership contest, setting the UK on course for a seventh Prime Minister in a decade. Eyes will now be on potential contenders like Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Angela Rayner as the Parliamentary Labour Party gears up for a potentially divisive internal battle, the outcome of which will redefine the future direction of the party and, by extension, British politics. The coming days will reveal the exact timetable and the immediate ripple effects of this monumental political upheaval.