Starmer considers political future, could decide as soon as Monday

Key Points:

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is contemplating his political future following Andy Burnham's significant parliamentary election victory, which has intensified calls from Labour Party ministers and lawmakers for Starmer to resign.
• Starmer, facing historically low popularity and recent local election losses, may decide as early as Monday whether to step down or contest a leadership challenge against Burnham, who is favored to win in a formal leadership vote.
• The pressure on Starmer increased with reports that Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper and other ministers privately urged him to set a departure timetable to avoid a divisive leadership contest.
• Starmer's team maintains that his 2024 landslide election victory mandates him to stay until 2029, but some ministers acknowledge he is reflecting on the political challenges he currently faces.
• Burnham's camp hopes for an orderly transfer of power, while voices like former minister Jess Phillips suggest that Starmer's leadership may be nearing its end and advocate for a dignified exit.