Wes Streeting has announced his support for Andy Burnham to become the next Labour leader, making Burnham the overwhelming favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister as early as July. Streeting, the former health secretary who resigned from Starmer's government last month, said he would not run for the leadership after speaking with Burnham about building an inclusive party.
Burnham, who won last week's Makerfield by-election and will be sworn in as an MP later on Monday, confirmed he would put himself forward. In a statement, he thanked Starmer for his leadership and called for an orderly transition, emphasising stability and a focus on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation.
Starmer announced he would step down after mounting pressure from MPs and ministers, less than two years after his landslide general election victory. He will ask Labour's national executive committee to set a timetable, with nominations opening on 9 July. If uncontested, Burnham could take over around 16 July, when Parliament begins its summer recess.
While some Labour MPs believe a contest would challenge Burnham on his ideas, many prefer a coronation to minimise disruption. Streeting, who had previously promised to run, said Burnham's win in Makerfield was a victory for unity and hope, and urged the party to back him to deliver change.
