Andy Burnham has responded to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister this morning (June 22), paying tribute to his Labour colleague, but also confirming his intention to run to replace him. In a statement on X, Burnham said: 'Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period. His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.'
Starmer Resigns After Six Years as Labour Leader
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed his resignation as Prime Minister this morning, and will now begin preparations for an exit timetable. The move comes just three days after Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield, allowing him the chance to run for the leadership. In a historic announcement outside 10 Downing Street, Sir Keir arrived at the lectern accompanied by loud applause from his staff and supporters. He began his speech with an evaluation of his six years as Labour leader, but confirmed he is now stepping down from the highest office. He said: '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.'
Leadership Contest Timeline Announced
In his resignation speech, Sir Keir said he would ask Labour's ruling 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. This would mean a new leader will be in place for the annual Labour Party Conference, held in Liverpool at the end of September. Most Labour MPs now expect a coronation for Mr Burnham rather than a contest with multiple candidates.
Wes Streeting Backs Burnham
One of the people expected to mount a leadership bid was Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP, but three minutes after Mr Burnham's statement, Mr Streeting also took to X and published his own tribute to Starmer, confirming his intention to back Andy Burnham as the new Labour party leader. Mr Streeting wrote: '[Keir Starmer] has made the right decision to stand down as the Leader of the Labour Party that he saved. After a devastating set of election results in May, the Makerfield by-election has proven that Labour can still win if we have the courage to change. It was a victory for unity and hope over division and hatred. It was also Andy Burnham's victory. Andy has shown what Labour can be when we are inclusive, united, and in touch with the lives of the people this Party was founded to represent.'
He continued: 'Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I'm convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions; and that he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism. We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our Party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy, too.' He added: 'We were elected to change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good, and to spread opportunity for everyone. With Andy, we still can.'
Burnham's Vision for the Future
In his statement, Burnham also outlined his priorities: 'The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get. As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people's lives. The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.'
