Sir Keir Starmer has said he accepts with ‘good grace’ that his party no longer believes he is the right person, ITV News Political reporter Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe reports
Andy Burnham has been sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield in the House of Commons.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester arrived in London’s Euston station earlier on Monday and made his way to parliament for the ceremony.
Accompanied by Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley, and Leigh and Atherton’s MP, Jo Platt, Burnham took the oath MPs swear to the crown on a bible.
He had earlier confirmed to journalists he would stand to be the next prime minister in any process that was run following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation on Monday morning.
Speaking earlier, Starmer set out a timetable for his departure as prime minister.
In a post on X thanking Starmer for his “huge service to our country”, Burnaham said his decision “marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way”.
“I will put myself forward as part of this process. The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.”
Starmer’s resignation has cleared the way for Burnham’s bid to become the UK’s seventh PM in a decade.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, who previously hinted at running himself, ruled himself out of the race, backing Burnham for the top job instead.
In a post on Monday, Streeting confirmed that he had “spoken at length with Andy in recent days” and that “we could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him deliver the change our party and our country needs.”
Starmer said he would do all he could to ensure an “orderly” transition of power and that he had asked Labour’s governing body to set out a timetable to replace him.
The timetable is expected to begin on July 9 and end by the summer recess to “ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September”.
Starmer appeared to get emotional as he thanked his wife, Victoria, for her support, saying being prime minister was the “proudest moment of my life”.
As part of his speech, Starmer said the question being asked is “whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election?” – and the answer given by the parliamentary party has led him to “resign as leader of the Labour Party”.
Starmer has faced increasing pressure on his political future over the past few months, with more than 100 Labour MPs calling for him to vacate Number 10.
He will leave Downing Street as the second-shortest-serving Labour prime minister in history.
The opening of his statement was competed with a protester outside Downing Street playing the EU anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.
The King is expected to see Starmer at their weekly audience later this week, it is understood.
They usually meet on Wednesdays for the regular meeting to discuss government matters following Prime Minister’s Questions, with the conversation usually taking place face to face.
In his resignation speech, Starmer looked back at Labour’s first return to government in 14 years – describing the moment as “a page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair”.
“The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better, that’s what I came into politics for the journey to that point was not easy,” he added.
“Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt.
“I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible, but we proved those people wrong.”
In his speech, he said that he will give his “full and unequivocal support” to his successor, “knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office”.
“I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support,” he added.
“I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service.
“And when I leave, the biggest job in the country. I shall spend more time on the most important job.
“Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy.”
Responses to Starmer’s resignation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.”
He praised the outgoing PM for his cooperation, support, “and always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help.”
Meanwhile, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan paid tribute to Starmer as “a man of great integrity” as he urged the prime minister’s successor to “invest in every part of the country” – including the capital.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said of the outgoing Starmer – “It can take many leaders to grow into the statesman you became in just two years. European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you.
“Thank you, dear Keir.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Starmer a friend in a tribute – and wished him and his family “well with everything the future holds.”
Cabinet minister responses
Cabinet ministers have paid tribute to Starmer following his announcement, including Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who wrote on social media: “The Labour Party and the country owes a great deal to Keir Starmer.
“Brought Labour back from its worst result in living memory. Won a majority at a general election which history shows does not happen often for Labour leaders. And led the country through difficult times.”
In a post on X, Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Keir Starmer brought Labour back from the brink, won a landslide majority against all the odds, and is changing Britain for the better.
“Thank you Keir, we are proud of you.”
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has paid tribute to Starmer and said her thoughts are with his family.
“I was proud to serve as Deputy as he led our party into government. History will remember not just the challenges he faced but the achievements he oversaw. I pay tribute to his record of dedicated public service,” she said.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added that “there is more to do”, and “we have achieved a lot together to be proud of, and there is more to do. I am grateful for Keir’s leadership and the work he has done to build a stronger, more secure Britain.”
Opposition responses to resignation
Criticism came from Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch, who called Starmer “a terrible prime minister”, adding: “We need to get Britain working again.”
She added that there should be an election, f Andy Burnham is not able to set out how he’s going to keep our country safe” amid an ongoing row within government over defence funding.
Other opposition figures stopped short of demanding an election, but urged Sir Keir’s successor to be bold.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for a general election in the wake of the resignation, writing on X: “If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming.”
Other opposition figures stopped short of demanding an election, but urged Starmer’s successor to be bold.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Whoever becomes prime minister needs to drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves.”
Green leader Zack Polanski said the country needed “a bold change of direction”, adding: “The time for half measures and sticking plasters is long gone – if he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust.”
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