Andy Burnham, a British member of Parliament, said on the 22nd (local time) that he would run to become the next prime minister, shortly after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation.
Burnham, widely seen as a leading contender for prime minister and leader of the ruling Labor Party, said on X (formerly Twitter), "Keir's decision marks the start of a transition, and this process must be conducted in an orderly and responsible way," adding, "I will put myself forward as part of that process."
Burnham said, "The country expects stability, seriousness and sustained focus on the top priorities," adding, "People want progress on economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation."
He continued, "Political change must not stray from the duty to improve people's lives. The Labor Party has been strongest when it looks ahead with confidence and a sense of purpose—and that is what we must do," adding, "We will ensure this transition becomes a positive renewal for the party and the country."
Starmer presented a timetable to nominate leadership candidates through the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on July 9–16 and to confirm the next leader by Sept. 1, before Parliament returns.
Given Burnham's strong support within the party, if he secures sufficient backing from lawmakers without a rival, he could be elected leader without a separate contest. There is precedent: after former Prime Minister Tony Blair offered his resignation in 2007, Gordon Brown was elevated to lead the Labor Party without a contest and became prime minister.
Wes Streeting, the former Health Minister who left the Cabinet after calling for Starmer to resign following the Labor Party's crushing defeat in local elections last month, declared his support for Burnham on the day. Streeting had earlier signaled an intention to run in the party leadership race.
In a letter posted on X, the former Minister said, "After long conversations with Andy over recent days, I am convinced he is committed to building an inclusive party that will best serve our political transition."
He said, "We can spend the summer accentuating minor differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him deliver the change our party and country need," adding, "I have made that choice, and I hope everyone else will back Andy."