In his first sit-down interview since announcing he will step down as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has expressed confidence that Labour can win the next general election under the leadership of Andy Burnham. Starmer, who is widely expected to be succeeded by Burnham, defended his record in office and insisted he harbours no personal animosity toward his likely successor.
Starmer's Endorsement of Burnham
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said: "My successor will have a platform to build on, which means that Labour can go on and should go on to win the next election." He emphasised that his government had stabilised the economy, stamped out antisemitism within the party, and secured a victory in the 2024 general election. Starmer added: "And that's what I'm trying to make sure I'm able to do over the next few days to serve my country and to make sure that I bow out. It's the end of my journey in politics. I'm very clear about that."
No Personal Animosity
When asked about his relationship with Burnham, Starmer said: "Yes, I do. We've always got on. He supports the wrong football club. We get on, I've never had any personal animosity, and I wish he… if he is my successor, obviously there's a little bit of process to go. But I want what comes next to succeed and I'm going to do everything I possibly can to make sure it does succeed."
Starmer's Legacy and Future Plans
Starmer reflected on his tenure, stating: "I didn't come into politics in order to be the Prime Minister." He acknowledged that his departure was not how he envisioned his time in office ending: "Did I want it to end at this point in this way? No, I didn't. But I accept that with good grace." Regarding his future, he said: "I don't know, is the honest answer to that. The decision I've taken is that I should focus 100% on serving my country as Prime Minister until the day I leave, and then I can take time to think about what might come next."
Support for the Next Government
Starmer pledged to support the incoming Labour government under Burnham, but only behind the scenes. He said: "Any advice I give will be only given if asked for. It'll be given behind the scenes and I won't be on camera or on the radio giving my version of what the Prime Minister should be doing because that's my interpretation of supporting a Labour government."
