Who is Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become the next UK prime minister?

Andy Burnham, who became the mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, has made clear his intention to lead Labour.

New Labour Party MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham, speaks to supporters and members of the media after his by-election victory in Ashton in Makerfield on Jun 19, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Oli Scarff)

22 Jun 2026 06:05PM

(Updated: 22 Jun 2026 06:53PM)

LONDON: After spending decades in British politics, Andy Burnham now appears closer than ever to the top job.The former Greater Manchester mayor has emerged as the frontrunner to become Britain’s next prime minister after Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday (Jun 22), triggering a leadership contest that could reshape the Labour Party and the country’s political direction.Starmer's departure followed a series of missteps, internal dissent and disastrous local election results, prompting almost a quarter of his Labour MPs to call for him to go. Calls for change intensified after Burnham's decisive return to parliament in a by-election in Makerfield, northern England.