The future of Prime Minister #KeirStarmer has been thrown into fresh uncertainty, with growing signs that he could set out a plan to leave office.

Starmer has repeatedly insisted that he will not walk away and would fight any leadership challenge, but the mood within government appears to have shifted in recent days

Several government insiders now believe the Prime Minister could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle added to speculation after telling the BBC that Starmer would do "what is in the best interests of the country", while suggesting the Prime Minister was reflecting on the political challenges facing him.

Pressure on Starmer has been building for months, with some Labour MPs arguing that the issue is not the party itself, but the person leading it.

A number of MPs believe Starmer’s personal popularity has become a major obstacle and that his leadership is holding Labour back.

The result of the Makerfield by-election is now being viewed by some within the party as a potential turning point, with dozens of Labour MPs already calling for change.

That number has reportedly grown since Thursday, with senior figures also privately expressing concerns.

The situation has created further questions after reports that senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, have urged Starmer to consider stepping aside while remaining in their government roles.