LONDON — Andy Burnham is expected to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister after Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as Labour Party leader on Monday, paving the way for a leadership transition that could make Burnham the country’s seventh prime minister in a decade. Starmer said he would remain in office until Labour selects a successor, while Burnham confirmed he would seek the leadership position.
Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election, a result that increased pressure on Starmer’s leadership, according to reports from British media. Labour lawmakers said the party would begin the process of choosing a new leader, with details of the timetable and any potential contest depending on nominations and party procedures.
Starmer announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street on Monday. He said he had listened to concerns within the Labour Party and concluded that he was no longer the person best placed to lead the party into the next general election, according to remarks reported by Reuters and other news organizations.
Burnham, who previously served as a Labour cabinet minister and later led Greater Manchester as mayor, has attracted support from some Labour figures following Starmer’s departure. The leadership process remains subject to Labour Party rules, and it was unclear whether Burnham would face a formal challenge before the final selection.
The possible change in leadership comes after a period of political turnover in Britain. Reuters reported that Burnham’s expected rise would come as the country prepares for another change at the top of government since the 2016 Brexit referendum period.
Burnham has highlighted regional development and greater powers for local governments during his political career. In previous remarks after his return to Parliament, he said, “What we’ve built in Greater Manchester needs to go national,” according to reports of his comments during his campaign.
The Conservative Party and other opposition groups have criticized Labour’s internal leadership changes and have called for accountability from the government. Opposition responses to the transition have varied, with parties preparing for the possibility of a new Labour leader before the next general election.
On Tuesday, Labour officials continued preparations for the leadership process, while Burnham remained the leading figure expected to succeed Starmer. The final timing of the handover and whether a wider leadership contest will take place remained unclear.
