Prime Minister's Future Dominates UK Headlines
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's political future is a central topic across Monday's newspaper front pages. Amid increasing calls for his resignation, various outlets report that Sir Keir is anticipated to outline a schedule for his departure.
The Guardian indicates that Sir Keir is expected to announce a timetable for his exit today. Similarly, the Mirror declares "game over" for Sir Keir, stating he is likely to set out his departure plans after former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured a by-election victory last week, returning to Westminster.
Succession Plans and Political Reactions
According to The Daily Telegraph, Burnham aims to become prime minister by September. Both Sir Keir and Burnham are reportedly in favor of delaying the handover until the summer to facilitate an orderly transition of power at No. 10. The Times suggests Burnham is seeking a "coronation" to become the next prime minister in time for the Labour Party conference, where he hopes to use the event as a launchpad. Burnham is scheduled to be sworn in as the Labour MP for Makerfield on Monday afternoon.
The Independent reports that former US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating in a social media post that the prime minister "will resign" and wishing him well. The Sun's headline, "Don and dusted," references Trump's intervention, adding that Sir Keir's decision to announce his departure plans as early as Monday comes after concluding with allies and his wife, Victoria, that his political survival is unlikely.
Senior Conservative figure Sir Mel Stride has issued a warning, as reported by the Daily Express, that if Burnham becomes prime minister, he could implement "reckless" tax increases and welfare spending. The Daily Mail describes Sir Keir as a "dead man walking" and notes that Burnham is being urged to reconsider Labour's existing tax pledges to fund his proposed spending. Labour's current manifesto commitments include not raising income tax, National Insurance, or VAT.
The Financial Times highlights that Sir Keir's allies believe he is on the verge of resigning, potentially making way for Burnham to become Britain's seventh leader in the decade since Brexit. The paper suggests an "orderly" transition is expected amidst a "growing cabinet revolt." The i Paper reports that allies of Burnham will urge Sir Keir to resign if he does not present an exit timetable by Monday night, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reportedly among those advocating for this.
Other News Highlights
In other news, The Daily Telegraph also mentions that France has prohibited alcohol at festivals nationwide due to a record heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 41C (106F). The Daily Express also acknowledges the Prince of Wales' 44th birthday and Father's Day, featuring a picture of the prince and Princess Charlotte with the caption "best papa in the world." The Daily Star's front page, away from political developments, focuses on the World Cup in the US, with actor John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin from Cheers) welcoming England to Boston and predicting their tournament victory. England is set to play Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
Source: The Papers: 'Starmer expected to announce exit' and 'Game over'