Starmer resigns as prime minister as Streeting backs Burnham for leadership – UK politics live

Starmer Resigns as Prime Minister; Burnham Emerges as Likely Successor in Labour Leadership Race

Starmer resigns as prime minister as Streeting - Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, has formally resigned from his position, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s political landscape. This move comes as Wes Streeting, the Labour shadow chancellor, has publicly endorsed Andy Burnham’s bid to lead the party. Streeting’s recent social media post confirmed his decision not to run for the leadership, stating that the ongoing contest, which has seen candidates highlight minor policy disagreements, would not serve the country’s interests. He emphasized that, following discussions with Burnham, he believes the latter’s leadership would provide a stable platform to advance the policies he has championed.

The resignation announcement follows a summer of intense political maneuvering within the Labour Party. Streeting’s withdrawal has significantly tilted the balance in favor of Burnham, who is now viewed as the frontrunner. While the formal confirmation of his candidacy has yet to be made, analysts suggest the likelihood of Burnham assuming the prime ministership is extremely high by mid-July. Although the possibility of other candidates stepping forward remains open, no prominent figure has publicly declared their intent to challenge Burnham. The lack of widespread support for alternative candidates has further solidified Burnham’s position as the clear choice.

Leadership Transition and National Impact

Andy Burnham, who has been actively engaging with journalists at Euston station, reiterated his commitment to the leadership race. He praised Starmer’s leadership and dedication, acknowledging the challenges the country has faced under his tenure. When questioned about his call for an immediate general election during Rishi Sunak’s premiership, Burnham tempered his earlier remarks, stating, “I think you’re talking several hurdles ahead there.” He highlighted his emotional attachment to Greater Manchester, where he served as a local leader for years, expressing regret over leaving the region but optimism about its future under new leadership.

“I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.”

Burnham’s remarks were laced with nostalgia, referencing his 2022 tweet during the Tory leadership contest. In that post, he had urged for an early general election, criticizing the party’s focus on levelling up the North while neglecting broader commitments. At the time, he defended his stance by contrasting it with Labour’s transition from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown, asserting that “we didn’t have a major change of political direction nor ditch the core mission on which we were elected.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, has publicly acknowledged Starmer’s contributions to the UK’s role in European security. In a social media message, he praised the prime minister’s collaboration, stating, “Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger. The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world’s leaders. Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every meeting and every conversation we have had has always been filled with real substance. Thank you for always being in touch, always engaged, and always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help.”

Internal Party Dynamics and Cabinet Support

Burnham’s leadership bid has also drawn attention to the internal divisions within Labour. Ben Riley-Smith of the Telegraph noted that the limited presence of cabinet ministers at Starmer’s resignation speech underscored the lack of unity among senior figures. Fewer than a dozen ministers were visible at the event, including David Lammy, David Jones, Jenny Chapman, Richard Hermer, and possibly Steve Reed. This sparse turnout, compared to the full 27 ministers who regularly attend cabinet meetings, signals a waning confidence in Starmer’s leadership.

Anna Turley, the Labour Party chair, has challenged Riley-Smith’s interpretation, arguing that logistical constraints, such as MPs traveling to London on Monday mornings, explain the absence of more ministers. She humorously pointed out that watching the speech on a train with poor internet connectivity was a reality for many. Despite this, Turley’s defense of Starmer’s position has not fully quelled criticism, as the resignation speech was seen as a turning point in the leadership race.

A Legacy of Leadership and Uncertainty Ahead

Gordon Brown, the former Labour prime minister, has offered a reflective assessment of Starmer’s career. He stated, “Keir Starmer’s place in history is assured. We owe Keir a debt of gratitude for taking Labour from its worst electoral defeat in 2019, bringing the party back into government with a huge majority in 2024, and guiding Britain through difficult times nationally and globally.” Brown’s comments highlight Starmer’s role in restoring Labour’s credibility after the 2019 election, which saw the party lose its majority and face a crisis of leadership.

Meanwhile, the political fallout continues to unfold. With Burnham now positioned to take over, questions remain about the stability of his leadership. His vision for the party and his approach to governing will be critical in the coming weeks. Analysts suggest that Burnham’s focus on pragmatic policies and his experience as a regional leader could help him navigate the challenges of a post-Starmer administration. However, the transition may also bring tensions, particularly as the party seeks to balance its traditional values with the need for fresh ideas.

The situation at No 10 has become a focal point for scrutiny. Riley-Smith’s observation that few ministers attended the resignation speech has sparked debate about the level of support Starmer commanded within his cabinet. This moment, captured in a brief glance left during the speech, has become symbolic of the leadership’s fractured state. As Burnham’s train approaches Euston, the BBC reports that he is preparing to meet journalists, signaling his readiness to step into the spotlight. The Sky News helicopter, which has been following his journey, is expected to document the next phase of this political saga.

As the Labour Party moves forward, the focus will shift to Burnham’s ability to unite the ranks and steer the country through an uncertain period. His leadership may be tested by both internal challenges and external pressures, including economic concerns and international relations. For now, the resignation of Starmer and the endorsement of Burnham represent a decisive moment in UK politics, with the potential to reshape the nation’s trajectory in the months ahead.

The UK’s political landscape is evolving rapidly, and the leadership transition at Labour has captured global attention. Starmer’s decision to step down, while unexpected, reflects the pressures of governing in a divided party. With Burnham’s support growing and the resignation speech serving as a catalyst, the next chapter of British politics promises to be both intriguing and consequential. As the nation awaits the official announcement of Burnham’s leadership, the focus remains on how this shift will impact the country’s future direction.