LONDON — Britain’s governing Labour Party entered a crucial phase of its leadership contest on Thursday following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation earlier this week, with former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham emerging as the leading candidate to succeed him and become the country’s next prime minister.
Starmer announced on Monday that he would step down as Labour leader and prime minister after mounting pressure within the party following weak polling and disappointing local election results. He said he would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a successor is chosen.
The resignation triggered a Labour leadership race that will determine who leads the party and government. Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after winning a by-election in Makerfield, confirmed his candidacy shortly after Starmer’s announcement and has since secured support from several senior Labour figures.
On Thursday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves publicly endorsed Burnham, describing him as a figure who could provide stability during the transition. “Andy Burnham would provide stability as prime minister,” Reeves said, adding that he supports the government’s existing fiscal framework.
Burnham is currently the only formally declared candidate, although discussions about potential challengers have continued within Labour ranks. Former armed forces minister Al Carns has not ruled out entering the race, while several other senior party figures have either backed Burnham or declined to stand. Details of the final candidate list remain unclear.
Labour’s National Executive Committee is expected to finalize the rules and timetable for the contest in the coming weeks. According to party officials and media reports, candidates will need support from a significant number of Labour lawmakers and party organizations to qualify for the ballot.
Starmer met Burnham earlier this week as preparations for the leadership transition began. A Downing Street spokesperson said the government would operate in a caretaker capacity during the contest and that no major new spending or policy commitments would be introduced before a new leader takes office.
“I want to ensure disruption during the transition is absolutely minimised,” Starmer said on Thursday, according to British media reports.
As of Thursday, Burnham remained the clear frontrunner in the contest, though the leadership process was still underway. Labour officials have indicated that a new leader is expected to be in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess, while Starmer has pledged to remain a member of Parliament after leaving office.
