Andy Burnham might be PM inside weeks after Keir Starmer’s dramatic resignation
In an emotional speech outside No10, Keir Starmer said he had heard the verdict from his MPs that he needed to stand aside and allow someone else to lead the party into the next general election.
Andy Burnham made a highly anticipated return to Westminster on Monday(Image: Tolga Akmen/EPA/Shutterstock)
Andy Burnham is on course to become Prime Minister within weeks after Keir Starmer resigned less than two years on from Labour’s landslide win.
In an emotional speech outside Downing Street, Mr Starmer said he had heard the verdict from his MPs that he needed to stand aside, paving the way for Britain’s seventh Prime Minister in 10 years. “I accept that with good grace,” he said. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”
His voice cracked as he said: “And 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 my joy.”
Mr Starmer will remain in place until a successor is appointed, with nominations opening on July 9 for a leadership contest. Labour’s ruling body is expected to agree the full timetable on Thursday. But Mr Burnham’s main challenger, ex-Health Secretary Wes Secretary, rowed in behind him, paving the way for a coronation.
If no one else throws their hat in the ring, Mr Burnham could become Prime Minister on July 17 or 18, just before Parliament rises for the summer recess. It also comes days before the World Cup final, which could offer a massive boost to a new PM if England manages to go all the way.
Mr Burnham paid tribute to Mr Starmer for “his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period” as he confirmed he would run for the top job. He added: “As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be.
“People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.”
Rumours were swirling on Monday that Starmer loyalists could unite behind Cabinet Minister Darren Jones to prevent Mr Burnham becoming PM unopposed. But any challenger would face an uphill battle, as the former Greater Manchester Mayor is believed to command the support of at least 200 MPs, more than half of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Mr Burnham was mobbed by cameras as he arrived at Euston station, with his train journey south livestreamed on TV news channels as he made a highly anticipated return to Parliament.
Clad in a suit and tie, he was sworn in as the MP for Makerfield to cheers from the Labour benches. Opposition MPs shouted, “Rome is saved” and “He’s not the Messiah”, to which he quipped “Just a naughty boy”. He was then pulled into a lengthy handshake with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Members of Mr Starmer’s top team, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds and loyalist Housing Secretary Steve Reed, flocked to pose for photos with Mr Burnham in Parliament’s Westminster Hall, as politicians jostled for his favour.
But Mr Burnham will come under pressure in the coming days and weeks to spell out his vision for Britain if he is to get the keys to No10 uncontested.
Despite the jubilant scenes at Mr Burnham’s arrival, tributes were also paid to Mr Starmer for his six-year stint as Labour leader. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he is owed a “debt of gratitude” on foreign affairs, saying he had been “principled, courageous and on the right side of history”.
One backbencher elected in 2024 told the Mirror: “A bittersweet day. Keir was very gracious and statesmanlike. He was just what we needed in 2020 and opposition, but his approach is too cautious for 2026 and government. We need someone to take urgent and decisive action – that’s got to be Andy.”
Another said: “I feel numb. I don’t know Keir well but I just wish things could’ve turned out differently. I feel embarrassed that we’re here. I’ve worked in businesses before and of course things go wrong but it feels like it should happen behind closed doors.
“I hope people know now that this is change and we can’t change again. The one thing I don’t want is factions. We don’t want to end up like the Tory party.”
A third MP said: “We have to all now have a coffee and move forward. We need to remember it’s not about Starmer or Burnham, it’s about keeping our Farage.”
A Streeting ally said: “We want Burnham to unite us all together, to build a coalition across the party. He needs to listen to everybody’s voices.”
And a Labour MP who campaigned for Mr Burnham in Makerfield told us: “I hope we won’t look back and regret this. I’m a big fan of Andy, but he’s got more expectation on his shoulders than Keir did in 2024. We’ve made our bed, now we have to lie in it. We can’t turn on another PM.”
