Starmer resignation live: Burnham could be next prime minister in weeks as he’s sworn in as Labour MP

Starmer resignation live: Burnham could be next prime minister in weeks as he’s sworn in as Labour MP Wes Streeting backed out of the Labour leadership race, clearing the path for Andy Burnham’s No 10 coronation - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham has refused to rule out a general election as he’s been sworn in as MP for Makerfield, having announced intentions to run as Labour leader. It comes after Sir Keir Starmer laid out his resignation plan in an address outside Number 10 on Monday, setting 9 July as the start date for the process to find his successor. The Makerfield MP was asked if he’d hold a general election by press after he called for one in 2022 when Liz Truss was succeeded by Rishi Sunak as prime minister. “I think you’re jumping several hurdles there,” he said. “My priority today is to be sworn in... as the MP for Makerfield. And it’s been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester.” Mr Burnham returns to parliament following his victory in Thursday’s-election, having secured a decisive majority over Reform. Announcing his resignation, Sir Keir said: “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.” Recap in pictures: The moment Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation Watch: Starmer resigns as prime minister - what next for the UK? What would Andy Burnham as prime minister mean for Britain? What would Andy Burnham’s policies be if he becomes prime minister? Poll: Brits think Starmer was right to resign Most Britons say it was right for Keir Starmer to resign (62 per cent), while only 19 per cent think he was wrong to do so, according to a YouGov snap poll. Even among 2024 Labour voters – who voted to put Keir Starmer in Downing Street two years ago – the tendency is likewise to think it is right for him to stand aside (52 per cent) than to remain (28 per cent). Watch: Trump and other world leaders react after Starmer announces resignation Forget Keir’s teary goodbye – it’s Victoria Starmer I feel sorry for Forget Keir’s teary goodbye – it’s Victoria Starmer I feel sorry for now In pictures: Tomorrow's papers splashed with Burnham's plans for power as Starmer resigns Watch: Burnham has the right 'vision, ideas and priorities', says Streeting Trump repeats claims Starmer 'is no Churchill' Donald Trump has repeated claims that Sir Keir Starmer was no Winston Churchill as he criticised the British prime minister. “This was not Winston Churchill,” he said in reference to Sir Keir Starmer’s reticence to support the US conflict in Iran. “Starmer wasn't there, and you know what? The people of the UK did not like it that he wasn't there. Starmer said no. Starmer said worse than no. He said we'll be there as soon as you win.” Starmer's wife thanks Downing Street staff at drinks Lady Starmer thanked Downing Street staff at drinks in the No 10 garden on Monday evening, telling them she was “personally really grateful” for their support. Sir Keir Starmer’s wife Victoria said: “I just wanted to say thank you from me. “I obviously love Keir and support him as much as I can, but there’s only so much I could do, and it’s you guys who gave that support day in, day out, and I am personally really grateful for that. So, thank you all.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments