Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, is on the verge of becoming the UK's next prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. The former Greater Manchester mayor, who has twice failed to win the Labour leadership, is now the overwhelming favourite to succeed Starmer, after his main rival Wes Streeting decided to back him. The transition could happen as soon as July, making Burnham the country's seventh prime minister in a decade.
Burnham was born in Aintree in 1970, the son of a BT engineer and a GP receptionist, and grew up in Culcheth, Cheshire. He joined the Labour Party at the age of 15 after being inspired by the BBC drama Boys from the Blackstuff. He studied English at Cambridge University, where he felt like an "imposter", before starting a career in journalism, working for trade magazines. His first political role was as a researcher for the late Tessa Jowell. He entered Parliament in 2001 as MP for Leigh, and served in a series of ministerial jobs under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary and Health Secretary. In 2017 he became the first directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a role that made him a national figure and earned him the nickname "King of the North".
“Andy Burnham's rise to become Labour leader and PM, his background, and what his policies could mean for the UK.”
The current leadership contest was triggered by Starmer's decision to step down after mounting pressure from his MPs and ministers. Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election on 19 June 2026 was decisive: he increased Labour's share of the vote from 45% to almost 55% and beat Reform UK by more than 9,000 votes. Starmer then announced he would stand down, with nominations for a leadership contest opening on 9 July. Streeting, the former health secretary who had been seen as a potential candidate, instead declared his support for Burnham, making a contested election unlikely. If no other challenger emerges, Burnham could be confirmed as leader and prime minister when the Commons begins its summer recess on 16 July.
For UK readers, a Burnham premiership would mark a significant shift in Labour's direction and style. He has promised a "Makerfield test" at the heart of British politics, meaning that policies will be judged on whether they benefit the kind of places—former industrial towns and neglected regions—that have felt left behind. This is a direct challenge to the perceived Westminster focus on London and the South East. Critics point to his lack of foreign policy experience and his past as a Remainer in a constituency that voted heavily for Brexit. Burnham himself has played down the Brexit debate, saying he does not want to "re-run" old arguments. On economic policy, there has been muted reaction from the markets, and his exact plans remain unclear. However, he has spoken about prioritising economic growth, the cost of living, public services and housing.
Q: What is the 'Makerfield test'? The Makerfield test is a concept Burnham introduced after winning the Makerfield by-election. He said that as a direct consequence of his election, there would be a test at the heart of British politics to ensure that places neglected by Westminster—including but not limited to former mining areas and the North West—receive fair treatment in policy-making. It is intended as a broader metaphor for addressing regional inequality.
Q: Why is Andy Burnham called the 'King of the North'? Burnham earned the nickname "King of the North" during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, a role he held from 2017 to 2026. He became a prominent voice for the North of England, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing debate over the Northern Powerhouse and transport investment. His strong regional identity and popularity outside London contributed to the label.
Q: What is Andy Burnham's position on Brexit? Burnham was a Remainer and previously expressed pro-European views. However, during the Makerfield by-election—where the constituency voted Leave by a ratio of two to one—he made the decision not to re-run the old arguments. Since then he has not reiterated calls to rejoin the EU, and analysts suggest that as prime minister he would not pursue a Rejoin agenda, given the salience of the issue in Leave-voting seats like Makerfield.
What happens next: The Labour Party's ruling National Executive Committee will set a formal timetable for the leadership contest. Nominations open on 9 July 2026. If Burnham runs unopposed, he could be confirmed as Labour leader and prime minister within days, with Starmer remaining in post until the changeover. If other candidates enter the race, a ballot of party members will be held over the summer parliamentary recess. Either way, Burnham is expected to be sworn in as prime minister before Parliament returns in September.