Starmer is not setting out timetable for his departure, says David Lammy

"Lammy insisted that there would be no timetable for Starmer’s departure, rejecting claims that any leadership change was being considered. “There will be no timetable for departure,” Lammy, who is justice secretary and deputy prime minister, told Sky News. “Let me be really clear Keir Starmer remains the most resilient person I know in my life. I spoke to him twice yesterday. He has a strength of character, a fighting experience. There will be no timetables.”"

"Lammy emphasized that Labour should concentrate on governing and said Starmer is determined to deliver. “What there is, is getting on with the business of government, [he is] really crystal clear about that. At the moment, there is no contest. What there is, is his determination to deliver for the people.” He framed leadership speculation as unhelpful and said the focus should remain on delivering outcomes for the public."

"Lammy addressed the Makerfield byelection and the possibility of a leadership challenge tied to it, saying it was not being considered. “While allies of Starmer have suggested he could be willing to step aside if Andy Burnham wins next month’s Makerfield byelection and no other challenger emerges, Lammy insisted this was not being considered.” He added that Burnham would be a strong parliamentary addition and that he would campaign locally for him."

"Lammy criticized Labour’s internal turmoil after recent local election results and leadership maneuvering. “I’m not going to sugarcoat this, I thought that the Labour party over the last 10 days had a spectacular own goal after those local election results,” Lammy said. He referenced Josh Simons stepping down for Burnham and Wes Streeting resigning after failing to gather enough support from MPs to make a direct leadership challenge."

David Lammy said there will be no timetable for Keir Starmer’s departure from Downing Street. Lammy urged Labour to move past repeated leadership speculation and focus on the business of government. He said Starmer remains the most resilient person he knows, citing strength of character and fighting experience. Lammy also said there is no leadership contest at present. He rejected claims that Starmer might step aside if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection and no other challenger emerges. Burnham is expected to be selected after Josh Simons stepped down to allow Burnham to run. Lammy said Burnham would be a great addition to parliament and that he would campaign in the Wigan-area constituency. He criticized internal Labour wrangling following local election results and the resignation of Wes Streeting after failing to gather enough support for a leadership challenge.

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