UK minister says PM Starmer is considering 'political realities' amid leadership pressure

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer gestures as he talks with local residents as he visits a housing development in north-west London on June 19, 2026, with a formal challenge to his leadership likely to be triggered in the near future. (Photo by Peter MACDIARMID / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) Peter Macdiarmid | Afp | Getty Images British business minister Peter Kyle said Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reflecting on the "political realities" after party rival Andy Burnham was elected to parliament, setting up a potential leadership challenge. Speaking to broadcasters on Sunday, Kyle said he had no reason to believe Starmer was planning to announce his resignation on Monday but that it would be "delusional" not to think his position was under threat. "Today, as in every other day I've ever known Keir, he is out there working hard. At the same time, he is also trying to create the space where he can think and reflect on the political realities and challenges - and the opportunities - that are before us," Kyle said in an interview with Sky News. Kyle did not repeat Downing Street's recent refrain that Starmer planned to fight any challenge. Burnham waiting in the wings The threat to Starmer's position, which has been building for months, increased sharply on Friday when former Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham won a seat in parliament that will allow him to launch a formal leadership challenge. …