What happens if Keir Starmer resigns as more than 80 MPs call for Prime Minister to quit

Keir Starmer's tenure as Prime Minister looks to be nearing an end after over 80 MPs called for his resignation, but what would happen if he were to step down?

Since arriving at 10 Downing Street back in July 2024, the Labour leader has had to deal with his fair share of problems, including the cost of living crisis, the effects of the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and the housing crisis.

While there's no doubt that he inherited a lot of these issues from the disastrous previous regime, the hiring of Peter Mandelson, the winter fuel U-turn and the recent election results have done little to increase his standing.

Following last week's result which saw Labour lose more than 1,400 councillors across the country, in a damning indictment of the party's popularity, a huge number of MPs have called for Starmer to step down.

However, over 100 MPs have also signed a statement making it clear they want him to stay, suggesting that this is 'no time' for a leadership change.

Starmer was seen meeting with Wes Streeting, a potential candidate for a new PM, this morning at Downing Street, but he was inside for fewer than 20 minutes before leaving.

Four ministers, including Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, have resigned, and while the number of MPs has now surpassed 81 - the percentage of MPs needed - they will all need to back the same replacement candidate in order to trigger a leadership election.

Four ministers including Jess Phillips have resigned (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Speaking yesterday, the PM said: "The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader, and that has not been triggered.

"The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a Cabinet."

Ahead of the King's Speech in the House of Lords today, Starmer added: "The British people expect the Government to get on with the job of changing our country for the better. Cutting the cost of living, bringing down hospital waiting lists and keeping our country safe in an increasingly dangerous world.

“Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past. My government will deliver on the promise of change for the British people."

Although he seems to have no plans to step down right now, it's clear that a leadership election would be required within the Labour party, with Manchester mayor Andy Burnham the current favourite with the bookies to take over as PM, despite not being an MP.

Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are likely to be two favourites to take over (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Other likely candidates include Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Services Wes Streeting and former Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. Since it would take a few weeks for this leadership election to go through, Starmer may remain in his position for a while even after resigning, since the UK must always have a sitting Prime Minister.

Once a new leader is selected, they will automatically replace Starmer as leader of the country. However, for those hoping to see a drastic change in leadership, it's unlikely that we will see a general election called, particularly after Labour's shocking performance in the recent local elections.

Unless we see a surprise snap election, the next general election won't be until August 2029.