Overview
- Keir Starmer said he would step down as Labour leader and remain caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen, in a statement made outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, June 22, 2026.
- Starmer asked Labour’s National Executive Committee to open nominations on July 9 and set a timetable so a new leader is in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess on September 1.
- Andy Burnham confirmed he will run for the leadership after his decisive Makerfield by-election win returned him to Parliament, and former health secretary Wes Streeting publicly withdrew from the race to support Burnham.
- The move follows months of internal pressure after Labour’s heavy losses in May local elections and a series of policy missteps, including controversy over the Peter Mandelson appointment, which eroded Starmer’s support among MPs.
- The near-term outcome will shape government direction and regional politics because a Burnham-led transition would trigger a Greater Manchester mayoral by-election and may shift Labour policy as the party confronts rising Reform UK and Green support.