Starmer Out, Burnham In: Labour Braces for Its Seventh Leader Since Brexit

LONDON, June 22 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned on Monday, saying he no longer had sufficient support within his parliamentary party to lead Labour into the 2029 general election.

Starmer described the transition as an "orderly transfer of power." He has been in office for approximately two years.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," Starmer said. "I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party to that question and I accept that answer with good grace."

Andy Burnham, 56, is now the frontrunner to succeed him. Burnham won a parliamentary by-election in Makerfield, northwestern England, on Friday, defeating a Reform UK candidate. Labour lawmakers said the result strengthened their confidence in his ability to hold seats against Reform UK.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his support for Burnham on Monday.

Burnham has promised major change and lower living costs. He has not yet set out positions on economic policy, defence or foreign policy.

If confirmed as leader and prime minister, Burnham would be Britain's seventh head of government since the 2016 Brexit referendum — seven leaders in ten years.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for an immediate national election.

"I've had enough of waiting around. Britain needs change — real change, not another washed-up has-been shoved into place by the uniparty," Farage said.

The British pound rose and UK government bonds rallied after Burnham secured backing from senior Labour figures.

Reuters reported that Britain has the highest government borrowing costs among G7 economies. The government faces high public debt, elevated interest payments, weak economic growth, pressure to cut public spending and a rising defence commitment.

Reform UK has led national opinion polls for more than a year.

Starmer said he would use time after leaving office to focus on his family. "When I leave the biggest job in the country I will spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic," he said. "Being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and my joy," he added.

Labour leadership nominations open on July 9. Nominations close in mid-July. The party expects a new leader in place by September 2026.