Hours after Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has emerged as Labour's frontrunner to succeed him, but his path to 10 Downing Street is far from guaranteed. According to Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, Burnham faces a bumpy road ahead, with deep animosity from Starmer's allies and potential challengers.
Burnham's Bumpy Path to Power
Speaking on GB News on Monday, Allegretti noted that Burnham's campaign is not a complete "shoo-in." He explained, "He obviously made a series of small backtracks during the Makerfield campaign – if he's the PM apparent in waiting, then there is lots of room for him to slip up and for him to be scrutinised on welfare policy, defence policy [and] his closer relationship with the EU that he said he wants."
Allegretti also highlighted the possibility of another candidate emerging who could muster the required 81 nominations from across the party to challenge Burnham. "Is it possible that over the next three and a half to four weeks, somebody steps forward who can muster 81 names from across the party, who doesn't want Burnham to be the ultimate shoo-in?" he asked.
Deep Animosity from Starmer's Allies
Allegretti revealed that many of Starmer's allies feel bitter about Burnham's rise. "I spoke to one earlier who texted, they said, 'I just can't talk to you right now, I'm crying'," he recounted. He added that some have referred to Burnham as "some mug in a bucket hat who wants to run the country for a while," indicating significant internal party friction.
Potential Challengers
GB News presenter Emily Carver suggested Al Carns as a possible alternative, to which Allegretti responded, "It could be Al Carns. But don't forget, as well, there are a lot of Keir Starmer's allies are feeling incredibly bitter today." Allegretti concluded, "I wouldn't say it's ultimately a shoo-in."
Starmer's Resignation
Starmer announced his resignation in a speech outside 10 Downing Street on Monday morning, saying, "Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life." He continued, "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace." Starmer added that he had spoken to His Majesty the King and agreed to remain as PM until a new leader is in place by September.
