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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSir Keir Starmer has resigned as Labour leader, acknowledging he had lost the support of his MPs and promising an "orderly handover of power" to his successor. Andy Burnham, following his success in the Makerfield by-election, appears on course to become the next Prime Minister, with his candidacy significantly bolstered by the backing of former health secretary Wes Streeting. If Mr Burnham is the sole candidate to secure the necessary support from 81 Labour MPs by the July 16 deadline, he could be appointed Prime Minister without a leadership contest by mid-July. In his emotional resignation statement, Sir Keir defended his record and expressed his intention to spend more time with his family, while pledging full support to his successor. Mr Burnham, who was formally sworn in as an MP hours after Sir Keir's announcement, played down the prospect of calling a snap general election if he assumes the premiership, stating that the Labour movement is entering a "positive process of renewal". In fullAndy Burnham could be PM within weeks as emotional Sir Keir Starmer quitsThank 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
Starmer quits as PM as Burnham returns to Westminster – but what happens next?
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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSir Keir Starmer has resigned as Labour leader, acknowledging he had lost the support of his MPs and promising an "orderly handover of power" to his successor. Andy Burnham, following his success in the Makerfield by-election, appears on course to become the next Prime Minister, with his candidacy significantly bolstered by the backing of former health secretary Wes Streeting. If Mr Burnham is the sole candidate to secure the necessary support from 81 Labour MPs by the July 16 deadline, he could be appointed Prime Minister without a leadership contest by mid-July. In his emotional resignation statement, Sir Keir defended his record and expressed his intention to spend more time with his family, while pledging full support to his successor. Mr Burnham, who was formally sworn in as an MP hours after Sir Keir's announcement, played down the prospect of calling a snap general election if he assumes the premiership, stating that the Labour movement is entering a "positive process of renewal". In fullAndy Burnham could be PM within weeks as emotional Sir Keir Starmer quitsThank 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
