Starmer announced last month that he was leaving the job as PM after a crushing set of local election results, which saw pressure mount and Labour MPs demanding a way in for Andy Burnham to take over
Keir Starmer will address the nation today – as he has done almost every Wednesday since he took over as Prime Minister. But today’s Prime Minister’s Questions will be tinged with sadness for the 63-year-old, as it will be his last one in charge of this country.
Taking place at noon, Starmer will battle Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for the last time, with Andy Burnham set to take over from next Monday.
Starmer, whose middle name is Rodney (fun fact), is likely to talk about all the good things he thinks have happened during his time in charge, while Badenoch will probably take the nicer route and show some respect to the outgoing PM by way of a friendly tribute – as has become customary for the opposition to do with every outgoing leader, regardless of party loyalty.
Starmer announced last month that he was leaving the job as PM after a crushing set of local election results, which saw pressure mount and Labour MPs demanding a way in for Andy Burnham to take over.
After much political machinations, Burnham won a by-election for a seat in Makerfield, and earlier this week retrieved an extra 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, taking his total to 349.
The additional nominations, on top of the 322 he received last week, mean it is now impossible for any other candidate to gain the 81 endorsements needed to challenge for the Labour leadership.
While almost 80% of the Parliamentary Labour Party formally nominated Burnham last week, extra endorsements on Monday (July 13) took him over the line.
As the only candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Burnham is expected to formally take over the Labour leadership at a special party conference on Friday.
He will then become Prime Minister three days later, on July 20 – meaning that Keir Starmer’s final hours in charge could see England win the World Cup before he announces a Bank Holiday . . . and then leave the role.
No other challenger can get the required 81 MPs needed to stand against Mr Burnham, as he has the support of 322 out of Labour’s 403 MPs, and more are likely to nominate him on Monday when they return to Westminster.