Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister, setting a timetable for his departure from Downing Street. A new PM is expected to be in place later this summer. The Labour leader announced his decision in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street on June 22, after speaking to King Charles about his plans.
Starmer said the move comes as the Labour Party has been asking who would be 'best placed to lead us into the next general election'. He added: 'I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.' He emphasised that his decision to resign as Labour leader was 'about putting the country I love first'.
Transition and Support
Starmer will remain in post as PM until the next Labour leader is in place. He has promised to give his 'unequivocal support' and ensure an 'orderly handover of power' to his successor. His resignation follows months of turbulence for his leadership, with Labour languishing in national polls and several policy U-turns, including reforms to the winter fuel allowance and disability benefits, as well as the Peter Mandelson saga.
Labour suffered heavy defeats in recent elections, including the Gorton and Denton by-election loss to the Greens and local elections where Reform UK picked up hundreds of council seats. However, the party turned the tide in last week's Makerfield by-election, where Andy Burnham secured a thumping win.
Andy Burnham Emerges as Frontrunner
Andy Burnham is regarded as the frontrunner to replace Starmer as Labour leader and ultimately PM. His victory in Makerfield, against a Reform UK that succeeded locally in Wigan council elections six weeks earlier, was seen as a litmus test for his popularity and vision. Burnham farewelled the Greater Manchester Combined Authority this morning before catching a train to London from Piccadilly station. He is due to be sworn in as Makerfield's MP this afternoon in the House of Commons.
Burnham has confirmed his intention to contest the Labour leadership. In a post on X, he said: 'People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation.'
Challengers Step Aside
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had been seen as Burnham's biggest challenger, confirmed he would not stand against the Makerfield MP. Streeting said he had spoken to Burnham and concluded that 'he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism', adding: '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.'
Under the timetable set by Starmer, nominations to replace him as Labour leader will open on July 9 and close by July 16, at the start of the summer recess in Westminster. If there is a contest, a new leader will be in place before Parliament returns in September. A so-called 'coronation' could take place for Burnham if no other challengers come forward.
