GB News presenter Nana Akua addressed Keir Starmer’s future as Prime Minister as pressure grows over the Peter Mandelson scandal, and the likelihood of Andy Burnham replacing him. It was suggested that Labour MPs are “getting nervous” as it could potentially mark the beginning of the end. The broadcaster was joined by politicial scientist and professor, Sir John Curtice, as the question was posed: “Is time running out for Starmer?”
During Saturday’s broadcast Nana commented: “[Starmer] is statistically the worst as a slide in his poll ratings over this period of time. How likely is it he will be outed from his position? And, if so, how soon do you think that will be?” Sir John suggested that Labour has a history of being unable to get rid of their party leaders compared to the Conservative Party. He said: “The last government got rid of two leaders which was something of a record.”
GB News halted for ‘breaking news’ as Keir Starmer suffers most humiliating blow (Image: GETTY)
He continued: “The truth is no previous Labour Prime Minister has been forced from office as opposed to voluntarily resigning. It is clear Labour MPs are getting very nervous.
“There are big set of local elections together with devolved elections in Scotland and Wales and that may well prove to be something of a decisive test.
“I think essentially what they will need to do is to persuade Keir Starmer to indicate that he is going to go. Actually arranging a coup will prove to be more difficult.”
The GB News presenter then quizzed her show guest about support for Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham as a potential Labour leader amid his soaring popularity.
GB News presenter Nana Akua spoke to Sir John Curtice (Image: GB News)
However, he shared one glaring issue in that Mr Burnham is not an MP and he had initially promised to remain the Mayor of Manchester until 2028.
“That to me, makes it rather difficult,” Sir John remarked.
Sir John added that while Andy Burnham remains one of Labour’s most recognisable and popular figures, any leadership bid would face significant practical hurdles. As Mayor of Greater Manchester rather than a sitting MP, Burnham would first need a route back into Parliament before he could realistically become Prime Minister.
He also cautioned against assuming that poor polling alone would force Sir Keir Starmer from office. Leadership challenges within the Labour Party have historically been rare, and removing a sitting Prime Minister would require broad support from MPs as well as a clear consensus on a successor.
Nevertheless, growing speculation over Labour’s direction has intensified following recent political controversies, with some MPs reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the party’s electoral prospects ahead of next year’s local, Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections. Those contests are widely expected to serve as a major test of Starmer’s leadership.
For now, Downing Street has dismissed suggestions that Starmer’s position is under immediate threat, insisting the Prime Minister remains focused on delivering the government’s priorities. However, political analysts say sustained poor polling or disappointing election results could reignite calls for change at the top of the Labour Party.
Sir John added that while Andy Burnham remains one of Labour’s most recognisable and popular figures, any leadership bid would face significant practical hurdles. As Mayor of Greater Manchester rather than a sitting MP, Burnham would first need a route back into Parliament before he could realistically become Prime Minister.
He also cautioned against assuming that poor polling alone would force Sir Keir Starmer from office. Leadership challenges within the Labour Party have historically been rare, and removing a sitting Prime Minister would require broad support from MPs as well as a clear consensus on a successor.
Nevertheless, growing speculation over Labour’s direction has intensified following recent political controversies, with some MPs reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the party’s electoral prospects ahead of next year’s local, Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections. Those contests are widely expected to serve as a major test of Starmer’s leadership.
For now, Downing Street has dismissed suggestions that Starmer’s position is under immediate threat, insisting the Prime Minister remains focused on delivering the government’s priorities. However, political analysts say sustained poor polling or disappointing election results could reignite calls for change at the top of the Labour Party.
Sir John added that while Andy Burnham remains one of Labour’s most recognisable and popular figures, any leadership bid would face significant practical hurdles. As Mayor of Greater Manchester rather than a sitting MP, Burnham would first need a route back into Parliament before he could realistically become Prime Minister.
He also cautioned against assuming that poor polling alone would force Sir Keir Starmer from office. Leadership challenges within the Labour Party have historically been rare, and removing a sitting Prime Minister would require broad support from MPs as well as a clear consensus on a successor.
Nevertheless, growing speculation over Labour’s direction has intensified following recent political controversies, with some MPs reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the party’s electoral prospects ahead of next year’s local, Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections. Those contests are widely expected to serve as a major test of Starmer’s leadership.
For now, Downing Street has dismissed suggestions that Starmer’s position is under immediate threat, insisting the Prime Minister remains focused on delivering the government’s priorities. However, political analysts say sustained poor polling or disappointing election results could reignite calls for change at the top of the Labour Party.