The Express understand Labour MPs are preparing to write to Sir Keir Starmer urging him to set out a timetable for his departure in the wake of next week's local elections, as the threat of a Cabinet revolt grows.
Following what is expected to be a punishing set of results on May 7, MPs are said to be readying a statement calling on the Prime Minister to stand down by the party conference in the autumn — allowing time for a leadership contest and an orderly handover.
Crucially, the timetable would also give potential rivals room to manoeuvre. Andy Burnham would need to find a route back to Westminster, while Angela Rayner would need time to resolve her tax affairs.
Who is being lined up to replace Starmer?
Labour sources suggested that Burnham's allies are behind the push to oust the Prime Minister, with reports that an MP from the North-West could stand aside to give him a seat in Parliament. Names being discussed include Marie Rimmer, Charlotte Nichols and Peter Dowd — though both Rimmer and Nichols said they had not been asked to make way.
One source said: "Most of the MPs on the Left of the party are turning against Angela or recognising her weaknesses are too great. So they're moving towards waiting for Andy."
Allies of Burnham said on Sunday they were not aware of the specific move but acknowledged that Labour MPs across the party were growing weary and wanted change.
MPs noted that if Sir Keir stood down before party conference, it would give time for Labour's ruling body to elect members close to Burnham — a significant advantage given that the current panel, packed with Starmer allies, previously blocked the Manchester mayor from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
What would trigger a Cabinet revolt?
Losses of more than 1,500 council seats on May 7 are said to be the threshold for a collective breakdown in Cabinet confidence — a figure that would represent more than half the seats Labour is defending, though some analysts believe the losses could be even greater.
"That would be the cut-off for a collective nervous breakdown among cabinet colleagues," one Cabinet minister told the Sunday Times.
However, some Labour MPs cautioned against any move before the elections, warning it would hand political rivals a victory on May 7. Another said the intent to remove the Prime Minister was more important than the process: "When the time comes and if the numbers are there, a process will be found."
What is the state of Starmer's premiership?
The pressure comes after one of the worst weeks of Sir Keir's time in Downing Street, dominated by questions over his judgment in appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. Sir Oliver Robbins — the official he sacked over the vetting scandal — has claimed he was put under pressure by No 10 to approve the appointment.
Further evidence from key figures involved in the Mandelson appointment is expected this week, and Sir Keir also faces the prospect of a privileges committee investigation hanging over him, with several letters said to have been submitted to the Speaker ahead of a possible vote on Monday.
A defiant Sir Keir vowed to fight the next election and insisted the vast majority of his MPs still backed him.
"What you never hear from are the all the people who are supportive, loyal and just want to get on with the job," he said.
