Starmer facing pressure from ministers and Labour grandees to prepare for ‘orderly exit’ (opens original article in a new tab)

Keir Starmer faces pressure from Labour allies to step down as leadership challenge looms with Andy Burnham gaining support

• Cabinet ministers and Labour grandees urge Keir Starmer not to fight leadership challenge and prepare for orderly exit
• Andy Burnham, with a majority in Makerfield byelection, is expected to meet MPs to become prime minister within weeks
• Starmer insists he will fight any leadership contest and warns of chaos if it occurs
• At least 200 Labour MPs are prepared to sign Burnham's nomination papers if necessary
• Senior Labour sources suggest Starmer must resign or face intervention at Tuesday's cabinet meeting