British business minister Peter Kyle indicated on Sunday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently assessing the political landscape following the election of Andy Burnham to Parliament, a development that has intensified calls for a potential leadership challenge within the Labour Party.

Speaking to Sky News, Kyle said there was no indication that Starmer planned to resign imminently, but acknowledged that it would be unrealistic to ignore the mounting pressure on the Prime Minister’s position. “He is out there working hard,” Kyle said, adding that Starmer is simultaneously creating the space to reflect on the political realities and challenges facing his leadership. Kyle refrained from reiterating Downing Street’s recent stance that Starmer would resist any leadership challenge.

Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, secured a parliamentary seat on Friday, enabling him to formally mount a leadership bid against Starmer. This development has heightened the existing threat to Starmer’s leadership, which has been growing for several months, especially following significant Labour losses in May’s local elections. Polls of Labour members suggest Burnham could prevail in a leadership contest.

Reports on Saturday indicated Starmer was discussing his future with his wife at the official Chequers residence, with senior Labour figures anticipating a formal statement as early as Monday. In response, a government source emphasized that the Prime Minister remained focused on his governing responsibilities. Kyle described circulating reports of Starmer’s resignation as speculative, noting a lengthy conversation with Starmer in which the Prime Minister’s concerns centered on national interests rather than personal ones.

In a subsequent interview with the BBC, Kyle acknowledged the leadership challenge is real and ongoing. “It would be delusional to ignore that there are forces at work challenging the prime minister as leader,” he said.

Former Labour minister Jess Phillips, a supporter of health secretary Wes Streeting—another figure considered a possible challenger—told the BBC she believes Starmer’s tenure might be nearing its end and advocated for his departure to be handled with dignity.

Starmer has previously asserted his intention to contest any formal leadership challenge. To trigger such a contest, a candidate must secure the backing of at least 81 Labour members of Parliament, representing one-fifth of the party’s parliamentary caucus. The situation remains fluid as Labour members and observers await further developments amid growing uncertainty about the party’s leadership direction.