LONDON (AP) — Following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham has officially announced his candidacy for the Labour leadership, positioning himself as the United Kingdom’s next prime minister. The announcement came shortly after 10 a.m. on a train journey from Manchester to London.
“I will put myself forward as part of this process,” Burnham posted on social media, signaling his intent to lead the party. By the time he arrived at London’s Euston station, his primary rival, Wes Streeting, had already withdrawn his candidacy and publicly endorsed Burnham.
The prospect of a contentious leadership contest, initially suggested by Starmer in his resignation speech, now appears increasingly unlikely. Streeting had previously advocated for a "battle of ideas," but reversed course, stating it was better not to "spend the summer exaggerating small differences."
This sudden shift surprised many within his camp. Just before Streeting's announcement, a source close to him noted that “lots of colleagues” were still encouraging him to challenge Burnham. A supporter expressed concern that “the lack of clarity from Burnham is concerning” and underlined the necessity for a contest.
Despite this, it is widely anticipated that a Burnham premiership would likely see Streeting appointed to a senior cabinet role.
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister who was also considered a potential leadership candidate, emphasized the need for Labour to "redouble our efforts to deliver for working people.” While she refrained from endorsing Burnham directly, she reportedly does not plan to pursue a leadership bid herself.
Throughout the Makerfield campaign, Starmer loyalists perceived Burnham as struggling to withstand scrutiny. A particularly notable interview on BBC Newsnight, during which he declined to specify the government's fiscal rules he had agreed to uphold, intensified these concerns. He had evaded questions about national policy, asserting that he was solely focused on his role as the newly elected MP for Makerfield.
There were discussions among Starmer's supporters regarding the possibility of nominating a candidate to challenge Burnham if no contenders emerged, as a way to test his policy platform. Some speculated about the candidacy of Darren Jones, the prime minister's chief secretary.
But any lingering doubts about the leadership election ended when nearly 200 Labour MPs welcomed Burnham with cheers as he arrived for a group photo in Parliament — a customary practice for new by-election winners. The atmosphere in Westminster Hall was charged, suggesting this gathering was more than just a celebration of a victory; it also served as a prelude to his potential leadership.
Recognizable figures, including Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, and Jonathan Reynolds, the chief whip, were present — notably absent from Starmer’s resignation just hours earlier.
After the photo op, Burnham took a selfie with the enthusiastic crowd of MPs, capturing a moment filled with unity that included voices from across the party spectrum.
While a faction of backbenchers who believe Starmer's removal was mistaken, along with others who preferred Streeting as a successor, might complicate efforts to unify the party, Burnham's leadership appears to be gaining momentum.
As one government aide loyal to Starmer remarked, they were relieved not to have to navigate the challenges of appeasing various factions.
As Burnham's supporters decide how swiftly to advance, the implications of his candidacy are already sending ripples through the Labour Party.
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