- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Keir Starmer resigns as Labour Party leader.
Keir Starmer Resignation: With the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following mounting pressure from within the Labour Party, attention has turned to the race to succeed him. Among the names dominating the buzz is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and a long-time Labour MP whose recent return to Parliament has strengthened speculation about his leadership ambitions.
Burnham, who unsuccessfully contested the Labour leadership twice in the past, is now viewed by many as one of the strongest contenders to take charge of the party and potentially become Britain's next prime minister.
Confirming his decision to step down, Starmer acknowledged concerns over his leadership and accepted the party's decision.
"I know the question being asked now is, who is best charged to take Labour forward? The question the party is asking is if I am best placed to lead the party into the next election...I have heard that answer from my party colleagues, and I accept. Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," he said.
Who is Andy Burnham?
Born in Liverpool in 1970 and raised in nearby Culcheth, Cheshire, Andy Burnham comes from a working-class background. His father worked as a telephone engineer, while his mother was a doctor's receptionist. Burnham attended Roman Catholic schools and has frequently spoken about the influence of his faith on his political career.
After studying English at the University of Cambridge, Burnham entered politics as a researcher for Labour MP Tessa Jowell before serving as an adviser to then Culture Secretary Chris Smith.
His parliamentary career began in 2001 when he was elected MP for Leigh, a constituency close to his hometown. During Labour's years in government, Burnham steadily climbed the political ladder, serving in several senior roles under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
His Cabinet positions included Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary, and Health Secretary, making him one of Labour's most experienced figures.
Following Labour's defeat in the 2010 general election, Burnham entered the party's leadership contest but finished fourth. Five years later, he launched a second bid and was initially considered a frontrunner before ultimately losing to Jeremy Corbyn.
In 2017, Burnham chose to leave Westminster and successfully ran for mayor of Greater Manchester. Over the next nine years, he transformed his national profile, positioning himself as a champion of regional empowerment, public transport reform, and local decision-making.
His leadership style marked by direct communication, accessibility, and a distinctly northern political identity helped him build support far beyond Greater Manchester.
Burnham has also promoted what supporters call "Manchesterism", a vision centred on devolving power from Westminster and giving communities greater control over housing, transport, education, and public services.
Meanwhile, Burnham's return to Parliament as the MP for Makerfield has dramatically altered the Labour leadership landscape.
To formally enter the contest, he must secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs. If successful, he is expected to emerge as one of the most formidable candidates in the race to replace Starmer.
How is the UK prime minister appointed?
Although Starmer has announced his resignation, he will remain Prime Minister in a caretaker role until Labour elects a new leader.
The leadership contest is set to begin on July 9, 2026, when Labour MPs can formally nominate candidates. Nominations will close on July 16, and any contender must secure the backing of at least 81 MPs to qualify.
If only one candidate reaches the threshold, that person will automatically become Labour leader. However, if multiple candidates qualify, Labour Party members will vote to determine the winner.
The new leader is expected to be confirmed either in mid-July, if unopposed, or by late August following a membership ballot. The process must conclude before Parliament reconvenes on September 1, 2026.
Once a successor is chosen, Starmer will travel to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III. The monarch will then invite the new Labour leader to form a government and become prime minister through the traditional "Kissing of Hands" ceremony.
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Why Did Keir Starmer Resign?
Starmer's resignation follows months of growing political pressure and internal party unrest. His position became increasingly fragile after poor local election results and criticism surrounding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, who has faced scrutiny over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, as the UK's envoy to the United States.
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The crisis escalated sharply after Labour rival Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat, a development that strengthened his position as a potential challenger for the party leadership.