Britain Politics
Andy Burnham with colleagues from the Parliamentary Labour Party in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament in central London, as he returns to the House of Commons to take up his seat after winning the Makerfield by-election, Monday June 22, 2026.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, forced out by his party after losing voter support. He will remain as caretaker until Labour chooses a new leader. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed on social media that he will put himself forward to succeed Starmer. Burnham's recent victory in a special parliamentary election prompted Starmer's decision. He has struggled with economic promises and faced criticism for appointing scandal-linked figures. Despite domestic challenges, Starmer gained international praise for supporting Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized his handling of immigration and energy policy. Starmer's resignation comes as Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its Brexit vote.
Andy Burnham is preparing for a Labour Party leadership contest that could make him Britain's prime minister within weeks. He's the strong front-runner to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer who has announced that he will step down. Burnham is a former Cabinet minister and mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham and Starmer met Tuesday for the first time since Burnham won a special election last week for a seat in Parliament with the aim of challenging Starmer. Nominations for Labour leadership open on July 9 and close a week later. Burnham could become prime minister by July 17 if he's the only contender. Some Labour members want a contest to scrutinize his policies which remain largely unknown.
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