Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLabour leader Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, with a party leadership contest set to begin on 9 July. Sir Keir stated his intention for a new leader to be in place by 1 September, coinciding with Parliament's return from its summer recess. Wes Streeting has publicly backed Andy Burnham to be the next Labour leader, praising his commitment to an inclusive party and his potential to counter nationalism. Andy Burnham is returning to Parliament following his decisive victory in Thursday’s Makerfield by-election, where he secured a significant majority over Reform. Sir Keir explained his resignation by acknowledging that his parliamentary party questioned his suitability to lead them into the next general election, a decision he accepted. In fullStarmer resignation live: Streeting backs Burnham to be next Labour leader after PM announces exitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in