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Starmer Steps Down — Burnham Set to Lead Labour

Labour has opened a fast leadership process that will decide the party’s direction under a new leader.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 22: Andy Burnham, Labour MP for Makerfield, celebrates after his swearing-in at the Houses of Parliament on June 22, 2026 in London, England. Last week Andy Burnham won 54% of the vote in the Makerfield by-election, paving his way to return to Westminster as an MP and challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Andy Burnham has gone from Clark Kent to Superman (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Photographer: Dan Kitwood Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his plan to step down outside 10 Downing Street in London on the morning of June 22, 2026.

Overview

  • Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026, and will stay on as caretaker prime minister until Labour selects a successor.
  • Andy Burnham confirmed he will run for the leadership after returning to Parliament in last week’s Makerfield by‑election and is widely viewed as the front‑runner.
  • Nominations open on July 9 under Labour rules that require a candidate to have backing from one‑fifth of Labour MPs and then affiliate or constituency support.
  • Wes Streeting has publicly backed Burnham, increasing the chance of an uncontested mid‑July elevation, though a full contest could stretch to September and require a members’ vote.
  • The change will trigger a Greater Manchester mayoral by‑election, shift Labour’s likely policy emphasis toward Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism,’ and intensify the fight with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which leads national polls.