Starmer Resigns: UK Front Pages Lead with Burnham's Rise
Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister after less than two years in office dominates every major UK newspaper on Tuesday, but many front pages relegate images of his exit to second place, focusing instead on Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and presumed leader-in-waiting.
The Guardian leads with an image of Starmer delivering his resignation speech, headlined “Starmer bows out … as Burnham sweeps in.” Columnist Jonathan Freedland examines the prime minister's rapid fall, asking how a man who won a landslide victory in July 2024 could be pushed out less than two years later, “having started no illegal wars, having triggered no grave economic crises, having been accused of no scandalous act of corruption.”
Mirror: 'Out of Time' for a Decent Man
The Mirror's front page reads “Out of time” beneath an image of Starmer and his wife, Victoria. The paper notes: “He stood up to Trump, lifted half a million kids out of poverty, protected workers and renters,” but concedes “the failures were glaring.” It concludes: “In the end a decent man tried his very best in an almost impossible job.”
Times and i: Burnham Angles for Power
The Times turns to Andy Burnham, contrasting Starmer at the podium outside No 10 with Burnham taking a selfie in Westminster surrounded by Labour MPs. The headline “Burnham angles for power” adds that the former mayor of Manchester could be prime minister by “next month.” The i takes a similar line: “Prime Minister in three weeks: Burnham arrives for coronation.”
Mail and Telegraph: 'Messiah' Without a Mandate
The Mail's headline reads “'Messiah' without a mandate,” reporting a poll of its own readers showing 89% believe Burnham should “go to the ballot box” and call an early election. The Telegraph describes Burnham's ascent as a “coronation” and reports on calls from Nigel Farage for an early election. Columnist Tim Stanley writes: “He's not the Messiah, but a naughty boy is exactly what Labour wants.”
FT and Sun: Challenges Remain
The Financial Times splashes “Starmer's exit clears way for Burnham,” but an inside comment piece notes “Burnham has done the easy part, but the challenges remain the same.” The Sun characterises the day's events as “Burnham's No10 coup,” running the headline “He thinks it's all over … an it definitely is for Starmer,” noting Burnham could become PM on the eve of the World Cup final.
Express and Record: Brexit and Instability
The Express marks the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote with the headline “Give us a proper Brexit,” calling on politicians to “deliver the will of the people.” Scotland's Daily Record notes Britain is set for its “seventh PM in just 10 years,” with the headline “It all ends in Keirs.”
