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UK PM Keir Starmer on cusp of resigning, report

A British newspaper says Keir Starmer is about to throw in the towel. (AP PHOTO)

British ‌Prime Minster Keir Starmer is ‌expected to resign and set out a timetable for his departure, the ‌Observer ‌newspaper ⁠reports.

However, a government ‌source said Starmer remained focused on getting on with the job of governing.

The threat to Starmer's position, which has been building for months, increased sharply on Friday when ‌his rival ‌Andy Burnham ⁠won a seat in parliament that would ​allow him to launch a formal leadership challenge.

Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham is widely expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the leadership. (EPA PHOTO)

The Observer ​said Starmer would quit on Monday after reaching the conclusion that his position was no longer tenable after ⁠speaking ‌to cabinet minister, ​advisers, donors and trade ​union leaders.

Starmer was ​discussing the matter with his wife Victoria at his Chequers ​country ​residence ​before making a ‌final decision, but that senior Labour figures expected a clear statement on his future ​as early as Monday, the ‌report said. 

However, a ‌government source said Starmer remained focused on his job ​and pointed to previous statements he had made to that effect.

The British leader said on Friday ​he ​would fight any challenge ​to his position and urged Labour ‌not to tear itself apart with infighting.

More than 100 MPs in his party - roughly a quarter of all Labour representatives in the House of Commons - have publicly ​said they want Starmer to quit or set ​out a timetable ⁠for his departure.

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