Andy Burnham is on course to become Prime Minister within weeks after Keir Starmer resigned less than two years into Labour's landslide victory. In an emotional speech outside Downing Street, Starmer said he accepted the verdict from his MPs that he needed to step aside, making way for Britain's seventh Prime Minister in a decade.
“I accept that with good grace,” Starmer said. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.” His voice cracked as he added: “And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children.”
Leadership Contest Timeline
Starmer will remain in post until a successor is chosen, with nominations opening on July 9. Labour’s ruling body is expected to agree the full timetable on Thursday. However, Burnham’s main challenger, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, has already backed him, paving the way for a coronation. If no other candidates emerge, Burnham could become Prime Minister on July 17 or 18, just before Parliament rises for the summer recess and days before the World Cup final.
Burnham paid tribute to Starmer for “his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period” as he confirmed his leadership bid. “As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be,” he said. “People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation.”
Burnham's Return to Westminster
Rumours swirled that Starmer loyalists could unite behind Cabinet Minister Darren Jones to prevent Burnham becoming PM unopposed, but any challenger would face an uphill battle. Burnham is believed to command the support of at least 200 MPs, more than half of the Parliamentary Labour Party. He was mobbed by cameras as he arrived at Euston station, with his train journey south livestreamed on TV news channels. Clad in a suit and tie, he was sworn in as MP for Makerfield to cheers from Labour benches. MPs shouted, “Rome is saved” and “He's not the Messiah,” to which he quipped, “Just a naughty boy.” He then engaged in a lengthy handshake with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Members of Starmer’s top team, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds, and Housing Secretary Steve Reed, flocked to pose for photos with Burnham in Westminster Hall, as politicians jostled for his favour.
Pressure to Outline Vision
Burnham will face pressure in the coming days to spell out his vision for Britain if he is to take No10 uncontested. Despite the jubilant scenes, tributes were paid to Starmer for his six-year stint as Labour leader. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he is owed a “debt of gratitude” on foreign affairs, describing him as “principled, courageous and on the right side of history.”
One backbencher elected in 2024 told the Mirror: “A bittersweet day. Keir was very gracious and statesmanlike. He was just what we needed in 2020 and opposition, but his approach is too cautious for 2026 and government. We need someone to take urgent and decisive action - that’s got to be Andy.” Another MP said: “I feel numb. I don’t know Keir well but I just wish things could’ve turned out differently. I feel embarrassed that we’re here.” A third added: “We have to all now have a coffee and move forward. We need to remember it’s not about Starmer or Burnham, it’s about keeping our Farage.”
A Streeting ally commented: “We want Burnham to unite us all together, to build a coalition across the party. He needs to listen to everybody’s voices.” And a Labour MP who campaigned for Burnham in Makerfield warned: “I hope we won't look back and regret this. I'm a big fan of Andy, but he's got more expectation on his shoulders than Keir did in 2024. We've made our bed, now we have to lie in it. We can't turn on another PM.”
