UK PM Starmer Considers Exit Amid Pressure as Burnham Waits

Updated: 2:49 AM PKT — June 23, 2026

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, Andy Burnham has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to become the new leader of the Labour Party and the next British prime minister. Starmer announced he would step down but remain as a caretaker PM until a successor is chosen, likely by September.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, recently returned to Parliament after a commanding by-election victory and quickly confirmed his intention to run for the leadership. His bid received a significant boost when potential challenger and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his support for Burnham. The rapid developments come less than two years after Labour’s landslide election victory, with Starmer’s resignation following months of falling public support and growing unrest within the party.

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In his resignation address outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Keir Starmer announced he will remain as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen. He has asked the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to establish a timetable for a leadership contest, starting July 9, to ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.

Meanwhile, frontrunner Andy Burnham was officially sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Monday following his recent by-election victory, a necessary step for him to contest the party leadership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party on Monday, though he will remain as a caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen. In his announcement, Mr. Starmer said, “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first.” His resignation follows months of growing pressure within the party, fueled by falling public support and a poor showing in recent local elections. Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after a by-election victory in Makerfield, remains the favourite to take over the party leadership.

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