US president Donald Trump has said that Sir Keir Starmer “will resign” as prime minister, accusing him of “failing badly” on immigration and energy.
Mr Trump’s intervention comes as Sir Keir faces mounting pressure to set out a resignation timetable after Andy Burnham’s by-election win.
Writing on social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Mr Trump said: “Keir Starmer will resign as prime minister of the United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects – immigration and energy (Open North Sea oil!). I wish him well! President DJT”.
The post is thought to be based on media reports as the two have not spoken this weekend.
Sir Keir is not the only leader to face criticism from Mr Trump this weekend after he hit out at Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday.
Mr Trump said that Ms Meloni was “doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity”, and accused her of not supporting US efforts to prevent Iran “from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon”.
Ms Meloni retaliated on Instagram, saying the US president’s “constant, unprovoked attacks” were “senseless”. She added: “As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
With speculation growing over Sir Keir’s position, UK business secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters on Sunday that the Labour leader was reflecting on the “political realities” he now faces. Mr Kyle has not spoken to the UK prime minister since Friday, when he had a “frank conversation” with him.
Asked about reports that Sir Keir could set out a plan for his resignation as early as Monday, Mr Kyle told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “I have nothing to believe that they are true. I’m seeing a lot of speculation out there.
“The only think I can say with fact is that the prime minister is hard at work, as he is every day.”
No 10 said Sir Keir’s position remained unchanged from Friday, when he said he will not “walk away” from Downing Street and will stand in any potential contest.
However one source told The Independent that Sir Keir is discussing a plan to handover the Labour leadership to Mr Burnham in September.
The former Greater Manchester mayor is understood to want to wait to become prime minister until September.
According to a source, this transition would allow Sir Keir to “secure his legacy”.
