Business secretary Peter Kyle, known as a staunch Keir Starmer loyalist and typically the most upbeat member of the cabinet, appeared unusually somber during interviews on Sunday, signalling that the prime minister's resignation is imminent. Speaking on Sky News's Trevor Phillips show and the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg programme, Kyle's demeanor betrayed a deep sadness, a stark contrast to his usual Tigger-like enthusiasm.
Kyle's unusual tone hints at end for Starmer
Kyle, who could previously spin any crisis into a positive, struggled to find a silver lining. He confirmed a long conversation with Starmer on Friday, describing the prime minister as "calm and thoughtful," but refused to disclose details, citing confidentiality. When pressed, Kyle admitted Starmer is "reflecting on the realities," a phrase widely interpreted as political code for accepting defeat.
The interviews came after reports late Saturday that Starmer plans to announce his resignation on Monday. Notably, no loyalists stepped forward to deny the speculation. If Starmer steps down, the UK will have its seventh prime minister in 10 years by the end of summer, a turnover rate that once invited mockery of Italy but now reflects British political instability.
Burnham's rise leaves Kyle's future uncertain
Kyle's personal stake is high: as a Keir loyalist and close friend of Wes Streeting, he may not fit into an Andy Burnham government. Kyle revealed he sent Burnham a congratulatory text after his byelection win in Makerfield, but received no reply. "The silence said it all," Kyle admitted, though he tried to brush it off. The prospect of returning to the backbenches—losing ministerial perks like chauffeur-driven cars and facing public transport—clearly weighs on him.
When asked if he would take a job in a Burnham government, Kyle's eyes betrayed doubt, calling it "a long shot." The business secretary, who knows about jobs, seemed pretty sure he might be out of one soon.
Labour MPs focus on beating Reform
Kuenssberg's panel of three Labour MPs reflected the party's fractured state. Toby Perkins remained a Keir loyalist, Luke Charters aligned with Burnham, and Jess Phillips, a Streeting supporter, admitted, "I've no idea what will happen. But the only question is how to beat Reform." Phillips's comment underscored Labour's current priority: defeating the Reform party, not governing for the country.
Reform itself was absent from the studios, following a poor showing in Makerfield. Nigel Farage has been in hiding for weeks. One Reform MP summed up the party's dilemma: "We are too racist for some voters. And not racist enough for others."
Starmer's resignation would end a brief tenure
Starmer's potential resignation marks a dramatic fall from the July 2024 election victory. He had vowed to fight on after Burnham's byelection win, even appearing in Barnet—200 miles south of Makerfield—to declare he would run the country for years. But the betrayal of cabinet ministers and backbenchers, coupled with a lack of gratitude, has sealed his fate.
Kyle's interviews became increasingly painful to watch as denial set in. He repeated over a dozen times that he and Starmer were "working hard to deliver what's best for the country," even as reports emerged that G7 leaders had clubbed together for a leaving card reading, "Sorry to see you go, loser, DJT." The prime minister, Kyle insisted, would remain a global player—like a clockwork Keir, carrying on until someone forgets to wind the motor.
