Andy Burnham has issued his verdict on calls for a general election following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation earlier today (June 22). The former Greater Manchester mayor was officially sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield in the House of Commons this afternoon after his decisive victory in the constituency last Thursday (June 18).
But Burnham has said it would be “jumping several hurdles ahead” to call a general election should he become the next prime minister. Starmer’s resignation followed a weekend spent mulling his future with his family at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country residence, according to PA.
Starmer's Resignation Statement
In a statement outside Downing Street this morning that competed with a protester playing the EU anthem Ode To Joy, Sir Keir said his party had asked “whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election”. He said: “I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.” Defending his record, he pledged to give his successor “my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago”. With a wavering voice, he added: “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 joy.”
Burnham's Response and Priorities
As he arrived in London this afternoon, Mr Burnham was asked about comments he made when Rishi Sunak became prime minister, when he called for a general election. Asked if he would now call an election, he said: “You’re jumping several hurdles ahead there.” The former mayor of Greater Manchester added that his “priority” for the day was to officially swear in as an MP, adding: “It’s been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester. The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I’ve loved every minute of the role. I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.”
Path to Leadership
A coronation for the former Greater Manchester mayor looks increasingly likely after his main rival Wes Streeting backed him. If Mr Burnham is the only candidate to receive the support needed to stand in the contest for the vacant Labour leadership, he could become prime minister in mid-July. His chances were boosted by the backing of former health secretary Mr Streeting, who denied he had been offered a job in a future Burnham government in return for his support. Mr Streeting quit the Cabinet in protest at Sir Keir’s leadership and had previously indicated he would be prepared to fire the starting gun on a contest to oust him if he did not voluntarily quit. He said he had spoken with Mr Burnham “at length” and concluded he could “win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism”.
Timetable and Reactions
Sir Keir said he would ask Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to set out a timetable that would see a new leader in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer recess on September 1. But the anointing of a new leader could come much sooner, with nominations closing on July 16. Sir Keir’s decision to quit means the UK will now have its seventh prime minister in a decade. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for a general election in the wake of Sir Keir’s resignation, tweeting: “If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming.” Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there should be an election “if Andy Burnham is not able to set out how he’s going to keep our country safe” amid an ongoing row within government over defence funding. Other opposition figures stopped short of demanding an election, but urged Sir Keir’s successor to be bold. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Whoever becomes prime minister needs to drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves.” Green leader Zack Polanski said the country needed “a bold change of direction”, adding: “The time for half measures and sticking plasters is long gone – if he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust.”
