Andy Burnham could take over as prime minister from Sir Keir Starmer in less than a month, under a Labour party timetable that would see the new leader installed as early as 17 July. The schedule, set out by Labour’s ruling body, requires potential candidates to collect the backing of 81 MPs between 9 July and 15 July, and nominations from affiliated bodies such as trade unions by 16 July. If only one candidate meets that threshold, the new leader will be announced at a special Labour conference on 17 July and then appointed PM by the King.
Burnham confirmed his intention to stand shortly after Starmer resigned as prime minister earlier this week. Senior cabinet ministers including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Health Secretary James Murray have already backed him. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who had previously said he would run, gave his support to Burnham on Monday. Deputy leader Lucy Powell told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: “I’m pleased that actually what it looks like is we’re probably going to have just the one candidate in Andy Burnham. How refreshing that would be - that the whole Labour Party is agreed on the new leader and we don’t have to go through a contest that could be damaging at this point in time.” Housing Secretary Steve Reed agreed the party was “going to move very swiftly to uniting behind Andy Burnham” without “turning inwards”.
“Andy Burnham could become prime minister by 17 July as Labour unites behind him without a leadership contest.”
Not everyone is content with a coronation. Labour MPs are under pressure from local members who want a leadership contest rather than a seamless anointing of Burnham as prime minister, Sky News reported. Former defence minister Al Carns has said a speech on Monday, in which Burnham will set out his economic policy, will decide whether he challenges for the leadership. Carns has not yet confirmed if he will make a bid. Darren Jones has ruled himself out.
Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has called for an immediate general election, but the Conservatives have not. Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly told the BBC that a general election would delay key decisions, particularly on defence spending. Powell, who as an opposition figure called for a general election when Liz Truss was forced out in 2022, denied hypocrisy. “I think we were in very particular times after Liz Truss crashed the economy,” she said, adding: “People want us to get on with the job and deliver the change they want to see.” Reed said this time was very different as the Tories had repeatedly changed leader while in government.
Starmer has said he wants an “orderly” transition and has authorised civil servants to meet prospective leadership candidates to help them prepare for government. Despite announcing his resignation, Starmer will stay as prime minister until a new Labour leader is elected. His official spokesperson denied that the administration is now a “zombie government”, insisting that “the prime minister and all ministers remain in office and the normal business of government continues.”