Following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister on June 22, 2026, all eyes turn to his potential replacement. In his resignation speech, Starmer outlined a leadership contest timeline: nominations open July 9 and close July 16, with a new leader in place by September 1. Andy Burnham, newly elected MP for Makerfield and former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed his intention to run. Born in Old Roan, Aintree, Burnham retains strong Merseyside ties, notably through his support of Everton FC.
Local Voices on Starmer's Departure
Lorraine Lee, 68, from Queens Drive, supported Starmer's resignation. She said: 'I think Andy Burnham is more aligned with the every day person and he can't do any worse than what this Labour government has done. I've met Andy and he's a nice guy so hopefully he does turn things around. It's great that he's local because it gives him more of an idea of what his people are like.' Lee praised Burnham's work on homelessness in Manchester.
Anthony Welsh, 75, from Aintree, welcomed a Burnham leadership, citing 'better ideas.' He said: 'How could Starmer ever have known what working class people want and need. Let's get back to grassroots. Andy Burnham should be the man unless they start fighting internally, which would give Reform or Conservatives ammunition.'
Mixed Reactions and Hopes for a Northern Leader
Jim Hughes, 75, from Bootle, expressed confidence: 'I voted for Labour, not for Starmer. He's too bland. The first time Andy Burnham stood for leader he was blocked. He should have got the job then because he gets things done – look at Manchester's trains, buses and infrastructure.'
Tracy Singleton, 63, from Aintree, wished Burnham luck but voiced caution: 'The job is a poisoned chalice. Politics has become like football teams – managers replaced when the team doesn't do well. My only issue is Andy hasn't spoken about what he wants to do. He's done great in Manchester, but we're not Manchester.' She added: 'Having a northern Prime Minister would be great for Liverpool. There's a north-south divide, and up north you get forgotten. But I'm not sure how southerners would respond to him.'
Roy Lamb, 80, from Aintree, was 'disappointed' by Starmer's resignation. He said: 'I thought Starmer was doing alright. I feel so sorry for the man. If Burnham does a job like in Manchester, that's good with me. The most important thing is we get back on our feet with Labour. We'll have to wait and see if Andy Burnham is the man for the job, and let's hope it hasn't all been rushed.'
