Andy Burnham, Britain’s newly elected lawmaker and long-time Greater Manchester mayor, is positioning himself as the leading candidate to become the next Labour leader, in a contest that could effectively hand him the job unopposed.
Burnham met Labour colleagues on Tuesday as preparations intensified for a leadership race triggered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that he will step down within weeks after a turbulent two-year tenure marked by policy missteps and declining public support.
Starmer’s resignation has opened the door for a rapid leadership transition within the governing Labour Party. Burnham, widely seen as the frontrunner, could become prime minister as early as July 17 if no rival emerges. If a contest takes place, the new leader is expected to be in place by Parliament’s return from summer recess on September 1.
A former Cabinet minister, Burnham served as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and recently returned to Parliament after winning a by-election last week, a move widely viewed as part of his bid for the leadership.
His position was strengthened on Monday after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, previously considered a potential challenger, publicly backed him.
Under Britain’s parliamentary system, ruling parties can replace their leader and prime minister without a general election. The next national vote is not required until 2029.
Labour will open nominations for its leadership on July 9, with a deadline a week later. Any candidate must secure the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs, or one-fifth of the parliamentary party, to enter the race.
Burnham is expected to outline elements of his economic agenda in a speech next week. While he has promoted his “Manchesterism” approach credited with urban regeneration in Greater Manchester — his national policy platform remains largely undefined.
Supporters within Labour believe his leadership style and public appeal could help reconnect the party with voters more effectively than Starmer, whose leadership has been described by critics as cautious and managerial.
However, some MPs are calling for a full leadership contest to ensure proper scrutiny of Burnham’s policies, arguing that his national agenda has yet to be tested.
Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who recently resigned in protest over defence spending, said the country needs a clear debate on its future direction. He has not ruled out entering the race but said he has not made a decision.
Senior minister Darren Jones has also been suggested as a possible candidate, though he has not commented on the speculation.
Some within Labour warn that a leadership battle could deepen internal divisions and prolong political uncertainty. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the transition should be “swift and orderly.”
Starmer’s departure follows a rapid fall in support since his landslide 2024 election victory. His government has struggled to deliver economic growth, improve public services and address rising living costs, while facing criticism over key appointments and policy decisions.
Labour is also facing mounting pressure from the opposition Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and losing support among liberal voters to the Green Party, adding further urgency to the leadership transition.