Andy Burnham could be installed as prime minister by 17 July, less than a month after Keir Starmer’s resignation, under a timetable set out by Labour’s ruling body. The outgoing prime minister, who stepped down on Monday after losing the support of Labour MPs, has already authorised civil servants to hold access talks with prospective leadership candidates to ensure an “orderly” transition of power.
Potential candidates have from 9 July to 15 July to collect the backing of 81 MPs, and until 16 July to secure nominations from affiliated bodies such as trade unions. If only one candidate meets the threshold by then, the new leader will be announced at a special Labour conference on 17 July, before being appointed by the King. Should more than one candidate qualify, a ballot of party members and affiliated supporters would run from 6 to 27 August, with the result announced on 29 August.
“Andy Burnham could become PM by 17 July if no other Labour MP enters the leadership race.”
Burnham is so far the only MP to enter the race. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who had previously said he would stand, gave his backing to Burnham on Monday. Other cabinet ministers including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Health Secretary James Murray have also thrown their support behind the Makerfield MP. With such a wide base of endorsements, observers say Burnham is likely to gather so many nominations that no other candidate will be able to stand.
Despite the near-certain coronation, some Labour MPs fear a backlash from local members who want a contest rather than an anointment. Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, while acknowledging he has different political views, said he knows Burnham to be “decent, intelligent and likeable”.
Burnham confirmed his intention to stand shortly after Starmer announced his resignation. He won a landslide in the Makerfield by-election last week, which triggered Starmer’s departure. Burnham’s popularity soared during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester, where his battles with Boris Johnson’s government over regional Covid lockdowns earned him the “King of the North” title.
If he becomes prime minister, Burnham is expected to offer Reeves a junior or mid-level cabinet position, according to one ally. The ally told the BBC: “Andy really respects Rachel and I’m confident he’ll want her in his top team.” A spokesperson for Burnham said no decisions had been made. Among those mooted to replace Reeves as chancellor if she is moved are Ed Miliband – a suggestion backed by former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman – Wes Streeting, John Healey and Yvette Cooper. Burnham is also expected to appoint former Labour cabinet minister James Purnell as his Downing Street chief of staff.
Starmer has said he wants to “minimise disruption” and will “seek to resolve difficult issues in the coming weeks to support his successor”. His official spokesperson denied 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”.