Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become Britain’s next prime minister following Keir Starmer’s resignation. Burnham was sworn in as a member of the House of Commons on Monday after winning a by-election, paving the way for a leadership contest that appears to have only one viable candidate.
Keir Starmer announced his resignation during a speech outside his Downing Street residence on Monday evening. He stated he would do everything in his power to ensure an orderly transfer of power and pledged his full support to his successor.
On the same day, Andy Burnham was officially sworn in as an MP, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from Labour Party colleagues, many of whom view him as the next head of government. Burnham secured his parliamentary seat by winning the by-election in Makerfield, northern England, a move that gave him the formal ability to challenge Starmer. According to media reports, it was precisely this development – Burnham’s entry into parliament – that increased pressure on the prime minister from within Labour ranks.
The crisis that toppled Starmer
Starmer’s government had been mired in crisis for months. Opinion polls offered little hope, and the results of local elections in England, as well as elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, proved deeply disappointing. Faced with these failures, Starmer decided to step down, though he said he would remain as prime minister until the party chooses a new leader.
According to Politico, Burnham could take the helm of the British government within the next few weeks. His biggest potential rival, former health secretary Wes Streeting, has already withdrawn from the race and thrown his support behind Burnham. With no other serious challenger on the horizon, the former Manchester mayor could assume office as early as July 17.
A country in deep disrepair
The German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung noted that with Starmer’s departure, Britain will have seen its sixth prime minister in just ten years. The paper observed that politicians from both Labour and the Conservatives, along with their teams, have failed to tackle the United Kingdom’s systemic problems. The economy is stagnant, the defence system is underfunded, the National Health Service is in shambles, citizens struggle with high living costs, the consequences of Brexit are still being felt, and the right-wing populist Reform UK party leads in the polls.
Now, the hopes of many rest on Andy Burnham. However, as the German newspaper pointed out, if he replaces Starmer, he will not be given any grace period because he would be taking over mid‑term. So far, little suggests he intends to significantly alter the course set by his predecessor.
– We can spend the summer exaggerating minor differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him bring the changes our party and our country need. That is the choice I am making, and I hope everyone else will also support Andy – said Wes Streeting.
– I will do everything in my power to ensure that the transfer of power proceeds in an orderly manner – said Keir Starmer, adding that he would give his successor his full backing.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
