Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that Labour “should go on to win the next election” under his likely successor, Andy Burnham, building on the work already done by his government. In his first interview since announcing his resignation, Starmer told the BBC he holds no “personal animosity” toward Burnham, who is expected to succeed him as Labour leader.
Starmer highlighted his achievements, including the 2024 general election victory, addressing child poverty, improving NHS waiting lists, and stabilising the economy. He also emphasised his legacy of turning around the Labour party after the 2019 defeat, tackling antisemitism, and restoring public trust in defence and immigration.
“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,” Starmer said. He added that he plans to support the government and offer advice only if asked.
On his relationship with Burnham, Starmer joked about the former mayor's support for Everton Football Club but affirmed they get along. He warned that Burnham would not be able to avoid international affairs, saying, “This suggestion you can really, in the modern era, simply split up the international and domestic, is just … it just doesn’t make sense.”
Starmer confirmed he will remain an MP until the next election and dismissed rumours of becoming Nato’s next secretary general. He described his decision to resign as “intensely personal,” made after a weekend with family at Chequers.
