Following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's resignation announcement on Monday, June 22, attention has turned to his successor. The red-hot favourite to take over as Labour leader and Prime Minister is Andy Burnham, who was last week elected as the new MP for Makerfield. Burnham, the outgoing Mayor of Greater Manchester and an Everton supporter, could potentially move into 10 Downing Street as early as mid-July if no other candidate challenges him.
Timeline for Leadership Contest
In his resignation speech, Sir Keir stated he would ask Labour's National Executive Committee to set out plans for a leadership contest. Nominations for candidates will open on July 9 and close when Parliament rises for the summer recess on July 16. Sir Keir indicated that a new leader should be in place by the time Parliament returns on September 1, ahead of the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool at the end of September.
Burnham's Path to Victory
To enter the contest, an MP needs the support of 81 Labour colleagues. It is unclear whether potential challenger Wes Streeting or anyone else can muster this support. Polls of Labour members suggest Burnham would be a clear winner against any rival. If no one else secures the required nominations, Burnham could be confirmed as leader as early as mid-July, effectively becoming Prime Minister without a full contest.
