Prime Minister Starmer Resigns: Andy Burnham sworn in as MP: New Prime Minister To Be Sworn In

LONDON June 22: Westminster has entered a period of political uncertainty after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, triggering a fast-moving leadership contest that has seen Andy Burnham emerge as the clear frontrunner to succeed him.

Sir Keir confirmed his decision in Downing Street, saying he no longer believed he was best placed to lead Labour into the next general election. He told the King of his intention to step down and outlined a timetable for a leadership contest, with nominations opening on 9 July and closing on 16 July.

He said he would remain in office until the process concludes, promising an orderly transition and full support for his successor.

Burnham enters Commons amid growing momentum

In a dramatic day at Westminster, Burnham was formally sworn in as an MP, drawing loud cheers from Labour benches and some heckling from opposition MPs during proceedings in the House of Commons.

His arrival was followed by a group gathering in Westminster Hall, where around 200 Labour MPs reportedly took a celebratory photograph, underscoring the growing momentum behind his leadership bid.

Burnham, who recently secured a decisive by-election victory in Makerfield, has since confirmed he will stand in the Labour leadership contest. His entry has reshaped the race, particularly after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly backed him as a unifying candidate.

Leadership contest effectively taking shape

Inside Parliament, MPs described a sense that the outcome may already be forming. Several Labour figures privately suggested Burnham’s path to the leadership is becoming increasingly clear, with little organised resistance visible so far.

The nomination threshold—requiring the support of 81 Labour MPs—will determine whether any challenger can formally enter the contest. At present, there is limited sign of a rival campaign gaining traction, though MPs note that the situation could still shift before the mid-July deadline.

One Labour MP described the mood as one of “expectation rather than competition”, with many already preparing for a Burnham-led government.

Starmer’s departure and political fallout

Sir Keir’s resignation marks the end of a tenure that began with his election as Labour leader in April 2020 and his appointment as Prime Minister following the party’s landslide victory in July 2024.

In his resignation speech, he reflected on his time in office, citing reforms in employment rights, immigration policy, and child poverty as key achievements. He also defended his leadership, arguing he had inherited a party in need of deep renewal.