Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was sworn in as an MP, said he will put his name forward for the role of Prime Minister.

Speaking outside No. 10 Downing Street on Monday, the Prime Minister said he had inherited a Labour Party that was “politically, financially, and morally bankrupt”. He spoke of leading the party in a landslide victory in 2024 and highlighted his record, citing growth in real wages, the fastest economic growth in the G7, reduced wait-times for medical appointments, a ban on social media for under-16s, trade deals and mending fences with the European Union.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media to announce his resignation outside Downing Street in London, on June 22, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

“I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered,” Mr. Starmer said, adding, “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.”

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” Mr. Starmer said. The Prime Minister had informed King Charles III of his decision on Monday morning, following a weekend of deliberation at his official country home, Chequers.

Andy Burnham: The King in the North

Labour’s decision-making body, the National Executive Committee, would set out a timetable, Mr. Starmer said, with nominations for a new leader opening July 9. In the case of a contest, the new leader would be in post before the U.K. Parliament reconvenes in September, as per Mr. Starmer.

Reacting to the news of Mr. Starmer’s resignation, Mr. Burnham thanked the Prime Minister and announced he would run for No. 10 Downing Street and for Labour Party leader.

“Keir has given huge service to our country, and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period,” Mr. Burnham said, adding.

“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.”

For a man who has been criticised for lacking an emotional connection with voters, Mr. Starmer spoke through tears towards the end of his remarks outside Downing Street when he mentioned his children and his “fantastic wife, Vic [Victoria],” who was standing a few feet away. His family would be his focus once he stepped down, Mr. Starmer said, before standing in front of the black door to No. 10 with his wife, not waving this time, but looking crestfallen.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks with his wife Victoria, on the day he announces the timeline for his resignation, outside 10 Downing Street, in London, United Kingdom, on June 22, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

Keir Starmer steps down as U.K. Prime Minister
| Video Credit:
The Hindu

With former Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirming that he would support Mr. Burnham’s candidacy, the former Mayor is expected to run unchallenged, unless another MP decides to join the race. If he runs unchallenged, Mr Burnham could be sworn in as Prime Minister before the U.K. Parliament goes into recess on July 17.

Published – June 22, 2026 11:14 am IST