Andy Burnham poised to become UK prime minister after Labour leadership shake-up
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Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is expected to assume the premiership within weeks after Labour leader Keir Starmer resigned and rival Wes Streeting endorsed Burnham.
London – Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to become the United Kingdom's prime minister within weeks following the resignation of Labour leader Keir Starmer and the endorsement of Burnham by former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had been expected to challenge him for the party's top job.
Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, saying he had informed King Charles III of his decision and would remain in office to ensure an orderly handover. He outlined a timetable for a Labour leadership contest that could see a new prime minister in place by September, but the backing of Streeting for Burnham makes a contested race unlikely, potentially advancing the transition to mid-July.
Burnham secured a parliamentary seat after a decisive victory in a by-election for the Makerfield constituency, defeating the Reform UK candidate and giving him a platform to challenge Starmer. Streeting said, "> We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our Party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy, too."
Starmer, who has faced declining poll numbers and internal party pressure, cited the need for new leadership ahead of the next general election. He highlighted his tenure's achievements, noting improvements in the economy and party reforms.
Labour officials are expected to approve the proposed leadership timetable later this week, paving the way for Burnham to assume office shortly after MP nominations close.