In an extraordinary day at Westminster, Keir Starmer bowed to intense pressure and resigned as British prime minister, conceding he was no longer the right person to lead the country. His departure leaves Andy Burnham all but certain to succeed him, with the newly elected MP for Makerfield expected to become Labour leader unopposed.
Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers, many unnerved by the threat from Reform UK before the next general election. In an emotional speech in Downing Street, Starmer 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."
Burnham's Path to Power
As Burnham made his way down by train to Westminster, it became increasingly likely he would be crowned Labour leader without a contest, giving him just over three weeks to prepare for government. After Wes Streeting confirmed he would not challenge him, jubilant Labour MPs turned their focus to Burnham's policy agenda, his plans to take on Nigel Farage's party, and potential cabinet appointments.
Burnham will begin to set out his policies next week with a series of speeches starting with the economy and devolution. He is considering appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor to challenge Treasury orthodoxy, though a final decision has not been made. Sources said Burnham was aware of potential risks with business and unions opposed to the move, but could be prepared to make the argument. Shabana Mahmood is expected to stay at the Home Office after Burnham praised her for "facing up" to big immigration issues during the byelection campaign. Wes Streeting could be appointed to a top cabinet job but did "not come with any leverage" to discussions, as campaign sources rejected his claims he had the numbers to run.
Starmer's Emotional Exit
After spending the weekend with his family at Chequers, Starmer took the painful decision to set out a timeline for his departure, less than two years after a historic election victory, kickstarting the process to select the UK's seventh prime minister in 10 years. His voice cracking with emotion, Starmer said: "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, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy."
Starmer has asked Labour's ruling national executive committee to set out a timetable for a contest, with nominations opening on 9 July, and to be completed by the summer recess a week later. Labour MPs would hold an in-person hustings regardless of the number of candidates. But with no other Labour MP expected to get the requisite 81 names, and Streeting not challenging him, Burnham looks likely to take over unopposed, entering No 10 as early as 16 or 17 July.
Transition and Policy Plans
In a message aimed at his likely successor, Starmer said he would do "everything I can" to ensure an orderly handover of power, despite what insiders described as his anger and frustration at Burnham's ambitions. One friend said he would do so through "gritted teeth". In his resignation speech, Starmer said: "I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour party secures a second term in office."
It was unclear whether Starmer would stay on as an MP once he leaves Downing Street. Some friends suggested he would feel duty-bound not to inflict another byelection on the country, while others believe he is unlikely to stay on for long. In a statement shortly after Starmer's resignation, Burnham – who has not spoken to the prime minister since before the Makerfield campaign – thanked him for his service. "His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way," he said. "I will put myself forward as part of this process. The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get."
To cheers from Labour MPs and jokes from the opposition benches, Burnham – who changed out of the T-shirt and jeans he was wearing when he left Manchester in the morning, dressing in a suit and tie – was sworn in as an MP. Bond markets were muted on Monday, with the yield on 10-year government bonds – a key measure of government borrowing costs – falling slightly. But Burnham allies say he wants to do more to reassure investors given his comments about the country being "in hock" to bond markets. As part of that push, Burnham's team have spoken to Jim O'Neill, the economist and former Conservative Treasury minister, about becoming his chief economic adviser should he enter No 10.
One of Burnham's first moves in office could be to make a major devolution announcement. Some around him are advocating for major fiscal changes, such as allowing mayors to set their own business rates. While he will stick to Labour's manifesto, he is expected to look at areas where his government could be bolder. Only after that is Burnham expected to begin "preliminary conversations" with Labour MPs over cabinet positions. "We want a bit of space this week to see where things land. Andy would rather deal with the world where you are, rather than rushing ahead," a source said.
Labour MP supporters said he should have a "shock and awe" policy blitz to demonstrate change. One added: "The next general election will be won or lost in first 100 days – it's very difficult to change people's views after that." Louise Haigh, who ran Burnham's successful byelection campaign, will now run his transition team, alongside Miliband, the former minister Miatta Fanbulleh and the former Makerfield MP who gave up his seat for Burnham, Josh Simons. The Labour MPs Anneliese Midgley and Sally Jameson will remain closely involved.
After the announcement, Farage was the only opposition leader to call for a general election in the event Burnham took over, saying the UK could not afford to "waste another week drifting from crisis to crisis". Burnham has signalled he would not go down this route.
