New prime minister will not ‘change UK-Ukraine dynamic’, Keir Starmer vowsThe UK’s support for Ukraine “will not waver” and the prime ministerial transition will not “change that dynamic”, Sir Keir Starmer has said on his final visit to Kyiv while in office.The outgoing prime minister met Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, just hours after a series of Russian strikes that killed two and injured six, including a teenager.He also used the trip to pledge 300 million euros (£255 million) to help fund fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences while supporting some 5,000 jobs in the UK.Sir Keir’s visit comes on his final full day as Labour leader.Andy Burnham will take over the party leadership at a special conference in London on Friday before entering Downing Street on Monday.That handover of power would not change the relationship between the two nations, Sir Keir said at a press conference at Mr Zelensky’s official ceremonial residence.He said: “The fact that there will be a new prime minister in the United Kingdom, in the days to come, doesn’t change that dynamic at all.“The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same, it will not waver.”Starmer has formed close ties with Zelensky (AP)Nicole Wootton-Cane16 July 2026 17:17Who has backed Andy Burnham for the leadership?Andy Burnham has won the support of hundreds of MPs as well as several key Labour-affiliated unions needed to become the Labour Party leader.He secured the backing of 349 Labour MPs earlier this week, meaning it is impossible for any other candidate to gain the 81 endorsements needed to challenge for the Labour leadership.The TSSA transport union, Aslef, Community, GMB, Unison, Fire Brigades Union, Unite and shopworkers’ union Usdaw have also endorsed him.Nicole Wootton-Cane16 July 2026 17:01Andy Burnham expected to be crowned as Labour leader on FridayAndy Burnham is expected to take over as Labour leader on Friday as he moves within touching distance of the premiership.Provided nobody challenges him, he will be crowned as the party’s leader at a special conference in London at around midday.There will then be a limbo period over the weekend when Sir Keir Starmer will remain as prime minister, but will no longer be Party leader.Mr Burnham will then be coronated as prime minister on Monday.Andy Burnham is expected to take over as PM on Monday (PA)Nicole Wootton-Cane16 July 2026 16:56