The prime minister is facing an imminent challenge from Andy Burnham, fresh off his Makerfield election victory.
Dan Bloom, Esther Webber, Sam Blewett
Three of the four people suggested Reynolds had urged the PM to accept the widespread demands to set out a timetable for his departure. However, the fourth person said this characterization of the meeting was incorrect. Both No. 10 and Reynolds’ team declined to comment.
A fifth person, an MP, said they had been told ahead of the Downing Street meeting that Reynolds was preparing to have a “candid conversation” with Starmer.
Also on Friday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the PM during his ring-round of the Cabinet that he needs to set out a timetable, as first reported by the Financial Times. POLITICO confirmed the account with a person familiar with the conversation between the hitherto loyal ally who is nonetheless close with Burnham.
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, and Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, have both previously urged the prime minister to set out a timetable for his departure.
Calls between Starmer and other top ministers are planned for the weekend.
The PM has insisted he will fight on after Burnham won a resounding victory that will bring him back to Westminster — a move the Greater Manchester mayor undertook specifically with the aim of returning to challenge Starmer, who has been weakened by repeated political missteps and devastating losses in recent local elections, for national leadership.
