Andy Burnham enters parliament as Keir Starmer resigns, becoming sixth UK PM to step down in a decade
Keir Starmer, voice breaking, announced his resignation outside Downing Street on Monday. Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who won a special election last week, is the clear favourite to succeed him.
Resignation speech
Keir Starmer delivered an emotional address outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, saying he would step down as prime minister. He will remain in the role until the Labour Party selects a new leader, with a successor expected by September. His voice faltered as he acknowledged the lack of confidence from his parliamentary colleagues.
The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
Burnham’s return to Westminster
Andy Burnham won a special election in Makerfield on Friday and was sworn in as an MP on Monday, clearing the way for his leadership bid. He is the only lawmaker so far to confirm he will enter the contest. Asked whether he would call a general election, he replied, “You’re jumping several hurdles ahead there.”
I will put myself forward as part of this process.
Streeting clears the field
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, once seen as a potential rival, publicly endorsed Burnham. In a letter posted online, he said the party should avoid “exaggerating small differences” and instead “roll up our sleeves and help him deliver change.” Streeting later told the BBC that Burnham had not offered him any future cabinet job.
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.
- Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by‑election
- Burnham sworn in as MP; Starmer announces resignation
- Labour leadership nominations open
- Nominations close as parliament starts summer recess
- New leader in place if a contest is held
The contest ahead
Nominations open on July 9 and close around the start of parliament’s summer recess on July 16. If no one challenges Burnham, he would become Labour leader and prime minister soon after the deadline. Starmer has said a new leader will be in place by September 1 if a contest is held.
A decade of revolving-door PMs
Starmer is the sixth British prime minister to stand before Downing Street and announce a premature departure in ten years. His predecessors since 2016 include David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer’s legacy, saying European and Ukrainian security was stronger because of him.
It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir.
