Starmer resigns as UK PM, likely replacement, Burnham sworn in as Labour MP
By Nkiruka Nnorom and Favour Ulebor, with agency reports
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, yesterday announced his resignation, saying a new leader would be in place before Parliament returned in September.
Starmer’s decision comes less than two years after he led the Labour Party to a landslide election victory that promised to bring stability to British politics.
Speaking on his decision, Starmer said he had accepted that many within his party no longer believed he was the best person to lead Labour into the next general election.
He said: “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.”
The prime minister thanked his colleagues for their support and became emotional as he paid tribute to his wife and children.
His resignation followed months of growing pressure within the Labour Party and a sharp decline in his popularity ratings.
Starmer said he would remain in office until a successor was chosen, with the leadership transition expected to be completed before Parliament resumes in September.
Why I resigned – Keir Starmer
Explaining why he resigned, Starmer said: “The question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people.
‘’Those questions have been answered. 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.
“Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party. I have spoken to His Majesty, the King, this morning (yesterday) to inform him of my decision,” he said.
The Commons summer recess is due to start on July 16, and so, if Andy Burnham is unopposed, as seems increasingly likely, he will become PM in the middle of next month.
If there is a contest, the new PM will be in post by the end of August. The Commons returns after the summer recess on September 1.
Burnham sworn in as Labour MP after Starmer’s resignation
Following Starmer’s resignation, Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester Mayor, who is also widely viewed as Keir Starmer’s possible successor, has been officially sworn in as Makerfield’s new Member of Parliament (MP after the later resigned his position as the Prime Minister and Labour leader yesterday.
Many Labour lawmakers expect Burnham to face no serious challenger, potentially paving the way for what party insiders describe as a “coronation” rather than a contested leadership race.
More than 200 Labour MPs turned out in solidarity to Burnham during his swearing in, according to headcount by the BBC.
“Given that anyone wanting to stand against Burnham would need the support of 81 MPs, we have probably got to the point where we can say for certain that Burnham is going to be elected unopposed,” BBC reported.
Under that scenario, Burnham could take over as Labour leader by late September, around the party’s annual conference, although some supporters are pressing for a faster timetable.
Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election by 9,000 votes last week after seeing off a challenge from Reform UK, has confirmed he wants to succeed Starmer.
The by-election was triggered when Labour’s Josh Simons stood down to make way for Burnham, who represented the neighbouring Greater Manchester constituency of Leigh between 2001 until 2017, when he became mayor.
Confirming his intention to run for the leadership, via a post on X, Burnham said: “Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period. His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.”
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get. “As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be.
“People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country,” he added.
Former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting has announced he will back Burnham’s leadership bid.
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