Miliband Secretly Pressures Starmer to Resign Amid Leadership Crisis

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband reportedly raised the prospect of Sir Keir Starmer managing his own departure from Downing Street during a private meeting roughly two weeks ago. This astonishing claim, reported by the Daily Express, indicates a deep-seated concern within the Prime Minister's own cabinet about his leadership.

Sources with knowledge of the conversation told the Express that Miliband's primary worry was the lack of a clear transition plan. He fears that without one, the Labour party faces a destructive and divisive internal battle for the top job, especially given the expected severe losses to Reform UK and the Greens in upcoming elections.

While publicly backing his leader, colleagues describe Miliband as "very down," privately wrestling with the damage these rival parties are set to inflict. He is understood to believe Sir Keir may not survive to lead the party into the next general election. A spokesman for Miliband declined to comment on "private conversations" but stated, "We do not accept this account," without disputing the meeting occurred or clarifying the discrepancies.

This internal turmoil comes as Labour faces what is expected to be its worst electoral performance in modern history. According to the Times, the aftermath of these results is set to prompt mounting calls from senior figures for a change of leadership, directly challenging Sir Keir's position and leaving ordinary voters wondering who is truly in charge.

Miliband is allegedly manoeuvring to elevate Andy Burnham to the leadership, with reports suggesting a backbencher is prepared to vacate their seat for Burnham's return to Westminster. Sir Keir, however, is actively working to prevent Burnham's return and has firmly rejected calls to name a leaving date, setting the stage for a brutal internal struggle that could define the party's future in the coming weeks.