What happens if the UK's Starmer quits, or is challenged? | Explainer

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position is under serious threat after dozens of his own lawmakers called for him to set out a timetable for his departure, or resign, in the wake of heavy losses in local elections.

Here's what could happen next:

HAS A LEADERSHIP CONTEST BEEN TRIGGERED?

Not yet.

On Monday, several ministerial aides stepped down ‌and more ⁠than 70 ⁠Labour lawmakers publicly called for Starmer's departure after his appeal for another chance seemingly fell on deaf ears.

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Some senior cabinet ministers, according to media reports, have told Starmer to ​announce a plan for his exit.

ISN'T THAT ENOUGH?

No. Labour has strict rules governing the removal of a party leader and the system requires lawmakers to ​coalesce around specific candidates rather than just express "no ⁠confidence" in ‌their current leader.

At the moment most of those against Starmer ​have called ​for him to set out a timetable for his ⁠own departure - effectively asking him to resign without needing to ​be forced out.

One former junior minister, Catherine West, has ​made a formal attempt to gauge support for Starmer's exit but this is not the same as a leadership challenge and she has not declared her intention to stand to replace him.

IF HE DOESN'T RESIGN, HOW WOULD A CHALLENGE WORK?

Any candidate wishing to make a challenge would need to ‌secure the support of 20% of Labour members of parliament. With Labour currently holding 403 seats, that equates to 81 ​backers.

Candidates also must meet thresholds for ⁠support from grassroots Labour Party organisations, and from affiliated organisations such as trade unions.

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Starmer would have an automatic right to be on the ballot paper, if ​he chose to fight the contest.

If only one candidate qualifies, there is no vote: the candidate is elected unopposed as Labour leader and becomes prime minister.

If more than one candidate qualifies, the winner is decided by a ballot of all Labour Party members and affiliates. The winner then becomes prime minister.