Andy Burnham has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister, following the Labour leader’s resignation amid months of intense political turmoil.
Starmer, who swept to power in Labour’s 2024 landslide victory, confirmed on Monday that he will step down as party leader and exit Downing Street once a successor is elected.
The announcement immediately turned the spotlight on Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who recently made a high-profile return to Parliament after clinching victory in the Makerfield by-election.
Burnham is now widely regarded as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Starmer, with reports in the British media suggesting that a large number of Labour MPs are already backing him.
If Burnham wins the Labour leadership contest, he will automatically become Prime Minister because Labour still controls a large majority in the House of Commons.
This means Britain will not immediately hold a general election unless the next Prime Minister decides to call one.
Starmer, who addressed the nation outside Downing Street, said he had accepted that his party no longer believed he was the best person to lead Labour into the next general election.
He said he had informed King Charles of his decision and would remain in office for now to ensure an orderly transfer of power.
Labour’s National Executive Committee is expected to set the rules for the leadership contest, with nominations scheduled to open on July 9.
The process is expected to be completed before Parliament returns from the summer recess, meaning Britain could have a new Prime Minister before September.
Although Burnham is the favourite, he may still face opposition from other Labour figures who do not want him to take over without a full contest.
Other possible contenders include Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former armed forces minister Al Carns.
Cooper is said to be considering a bid, while Streeting’s allies believe he may still enter the race, although there are doubts over whether he can secure enough support from Labour MPs.
Burnham’s supporters believe he is the strongest figure to rebuild Labour’s popularity, reconnect with working-class voters and respond to the growing threat from Reform UK.
His critics, however, insist he must still present a clear plan for the economy, immigration, public services and the future direction of the Labour government.
Starmer’s resignation makes him one of several British Prime Ministers to leave office in recent years without completing a full term, underlining the political instability that has gripped the United Kingdom since the Brexit era.
For now, the focus has moved from Starmer’s fall to Burnham’s possible rise.
If Labour MPs and party members rally behind him, Burnham could soon move from Greater Manchester politics to the highest office in Britain.
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