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 this morning, 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.”
Read MoreWhy did Starmer resign? These are the key moments of his chaotic two years as prime minister
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Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ who could be the next prime minister
Key Points
- A timeline of Monday's events as Starmer steps down and Burnham is sworn in
- Andy Burnham sworn in as Makerfield MP before photograph with Labour colleagues
- Watch: Burnham says calls for general election 'jumping too far ahead' as he arrives in London
- Streeting backs Burnham to be next Labour leader
- Starmer announces resignation as PM
- Analysis: Keir Starmer bows out with grace but shows defiance to the end
Watch: Burnham has the right 'vision, ideas and priorities', says Streeting
22:00 , Bryony GoochTrump repeats claims Starmer 'is no Churchill'
21:35 , Bryony GoochDonald 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
21:30 , Bryony GoochLady 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.”
Trump criticises Starmer's record on energy as he exits role as prime minister
21:28 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s record over energy as he steps down as Labour party leader and highlights timeline to exit role as prime minister.
“I think he's a lovely man, but I said ‘you're really messing up energy. You have windmills all over the place. In the meantime, you have the North Sea oil, and they won't let anybody drill to one of the great fields in the world,’” he said.
He went so far as to call Sir Keir “sort of a friend of mine,” but caveated “he was not good to us with NATO.”
“I wish him well, but he's got two problems: energy and immigration and crime, but energy and immigration, you know he's really hurt himself very badly.”
The hospital scandal that could come back to haunt Andy Burnham
21:00 , Bryony Gooch
The hospital scandal that could come back to haunt Andy Burnham
Harriet Harman suggests Ed Miliband could be chancellor, if Burnham enters No10
20:44 , Rebecca WhittakerMember of the House of Lords, Harriet Harman, suggested Ed Miliband could become the next chancellor if Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Speaking to Sky News’ Cathy Newman she said: "Well, I don't think it couldn't be Ed Miliband actually.”
"I'm going to support whoever happens to be the chancellor.
"And it shouldn't, you know, we should not be ruling out Ed Miliband.
"I think he's a great talent, he's very economically literate, he's very intelligent and very committed and very experienced.”
Watch: How many prime ministers has Larry the cat seen?
20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerIn pictures: Burnham swearing in from House of Commons
20:00 , Bryony Gooch
Why was Andy Burnham late to swear in as MP?
19:30 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham’s train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston was 20 minutes late because of a points failure.
Mr Burnham got an Avanti West Coast service to London on Monday and was later sworn in as the Labour MP for Makerfield following last week’s by-election.
The train service arrived at 1.30pm and was about 20 minutes late.
The train was late because of a points failure between Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent, Network Rail said.
Disruption following the points failure was expected until 4.30pm on Monday, National Rail’s website says.
Points are devices that let trains move from one track to another at junctions, according to Network Rail’s website.
Points can fail – they could get clogged with debris or ice, the drive mechanism might fail or, in hot weather, they might expand too much, the website says.
Mr Burnham has previously been critical of the service between London and Manchester.
Watch: How many prime ministers has Larry the cat seen?
18:30 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Burnham takes photo with almost all Labour MPs as he arrives in Westminster
18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Stop Parliament protester Bray from disrupting No 10 statements – ex-deputy PM
17:52 , Bryony GoochA Conservative former deputy prime minister has suggested an anti-Brexit activist who regularly plays loud music outside Parliament should be banned after he disrupted Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement on Monday morning.
Sir Oliver Dowden said Steve Bray, who regularly plays music on a public address system outside the Houses of Parliament, added to “considerable international embarrassment”.
Mr Bray loudly played Ode To Joy, which is the EU’s official anthem, during Sir Keir’s statement outside Downing Street.
The activist, who is a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, previously played Things Can Only Get Better by D-Ream when Mr Sunak called a general election outside Number 10 in 2024.
The song is closely associated with New Labour and Tony Blair’s election victory in 1997.
Sir Oliver did not refer to Mr Bray by name in the Commons, but later confirmed he was referring to the protester.
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Oliver said: “Will the deputy prime minister sit down with the police and find some way of stopping this ridiculous heckling and disruption of prime ministers on the steps of Downing Street when they’re trying to make statements which further adds to our considerable international embarrassment.”
His question was met by shouts of “hear, hear” in the Commons.
Badenoch and Lammy argue in the Commons over leadership
17:42 , Bryony GoochKemi Badenoch said she wanted to congratulate Andy Burnham on his by-election win last week.
Responding to a Government statement on the G7 summit, Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch told the Commons: “Can I take the opportunity to congratulate the new Labour MP for Makerfield on his election?
“But can I just point out that the new member for Aberdeen South is here – he is here – the member for Makerfield is not here because he is more interested in his leadership bid than Britain’s national security.
“Two weeks ago, the defence secretary (John Healey) and armed forces minister (Al Carns) as well quit the Government because Labour’s failure to fund defence is putting our national security at risk. This will not disappear from (Mr Burnham’s) in-tray just because he won a by-election.”
Douglas Lumsden, who won a by-election in Aberdeen South last week, was sat directly behind Mrs Badenoch as she spoke, flanked by former minister John Glen and Bridlington and The Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst.
Deputy prime minister David Lammy replied: “I am proud to serve a prime minister (Sir Keir Starmer) whose hard work has made this country stronger and much fairer than the Britain we inherited from the party opposite (the Conservatives).
“She knows that the prime minister has rebuilt Britain’s international alliances. She can’t deny the five major trade deals that we struck under our watch that she failed to do.
“She knows that we’ve led the coalition of the willing to back Ukraine, we’ve renewed our partnership with Europe, we’re delivering the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War – I’m proud of all of that.”
What has happened today? A timeline
17:17 , Bryony Gooch9:30am: Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Labour Party leader, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister.
9:50am: Reform leader Nigel Farage called for a snap general election.
10am: Tributes poured in for the now outgoing prime minister from across the globe.
10.49am: Andy Burnham left the Greater Manchester Combined Authority after saying goodbye to staff in order to begin his journey south to Westminster.
11:30am: Mr Burnham began his journey to London on a train from Manchester, which would arrive 20 minutes late.
13:48pm: The MP for Makerfield declined to say whether there would be a snap general election as he arrived at Euston to a crowd of reporters, stating that his “priority” for the day was to officially swear in as an MP.
14:46pm: Mr Burnham entered the parliamentary estate through the gate at Canon Row, escorted by a phalanx of security staff. He was then sworn in as MP.
What have other party leaders said about Starmer's resignation?
17:00 , Bryony GoochHere is what other party leaders have said about Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation:
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for a general election in the wake of Sir Keir’s resignation, tweeting: “If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there should be an election “if Andy Burnham is not able to set out how he’s going to keep our country safe” amid an ongoing row within government over defence funding.
Other opposition figures stopped short of demanding an election, but urged Sir Keir’s successor to be bold.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Whoever becomes prime minister needs to drop the caution and complacency and show the ambition our country deserves.”
Green leader Zack Polanski said the country needed “a bold change of direction”, adding: “The time for half measures and sticking plasters is long gone – if he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust.”
Watch: Starmer resigns as prime minister - what next for the UK?
16:40 , Bryony GoochBadenoch rejects Lammy's statement of gratitude for Starmer's foreign affairs approach
16:28 , Bryony GoochKemi Badenoch has rejected deputy prime minister David Lammy’s statement that MPs owe “a debt of gratitude to the prime minister on foreign affairs”.
Responding to Mr Lammy, the Conservative leader told the Commons: “He is right when he says everyone in this House owes a debt to the prime minister, but it is most certainly not a debt of gratitude – it’s the other type of debt that we owe.”
Mrs Badenoch went on to ask why prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who travelled to the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, was not at the despatch box to face questions about his visit, instead sending his deputy.
She said: “Where is the prime minister? He says he needs to stay in post for three months, but then doesn’t come to Parliament to do his job.
“He wants to go on a farewell tour while the new member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) is asking for a summer holiday to work out what he thinks. In the meantime, no-one is in charge and Britain is not being governed.”
Mrs Badenoch added that “this psychodrama is about the Labour Party, not the country”. She said Labour MPs in the chamber on Monday afternoon “will all scurry back to their offices and focus on their real priority – lobbying for jobs in the next government”.
Post resurfaces where Burnham insists he would never take part in a leadership coup
16:20 , Bryony GoochAs Andy Burnham has made it clear he hopes to occupy 10 Downing Street soon, an old X post from a decade ago has resurfaced where he stated he would never be a part of a leadership coup.
He said: “I have never taken part in a coup against any Leader of the Labour Party and I am not going to start now.”
I have never taken part in a coup against any Leader of the Labour Party and I am not going to start now. 2/3
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 26, 2016
Keir Starmer: The prime minister who was unprepared for government
16:00 , Daniel HaygarthStarmer succeeded where Labour leaders often fail: he won the party’s second-greatest election victory. But in government, mistakes, U-turns and internal pressure exposed how little he and his party had planned for life in power. John Rentoul assesses the career of Labour’s seventh occupant of No 10. Read below.
Keir Starmer: The prime minister who was unprepared for government
David Lammy pays tribute to Starmer’s record on the international stage
16:00 , Athena StavrouDavid Lammy has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer’s record on the international stage as he addressed MPs in the Commons.
The deputy prime minister and former foreign secretary described the outgoing prime minister’s performance as “second to none”.
He is delivering a statement on last week’s G7 summit, which Sir Keir was initially meant to deliver himself before his resignation this morning.
“As foreign secretary when we entered government, I saw first hand the prime minister rebuild our relationships across the world,” Mr Lammy said.
He also praised his decision not to join Donald Trump’s war in Iran, telling MPs his decisions “made Britain safer”.
Not all smiles among the Labour ranks
15:49 , Dan Haygarth
Analysis: Starmer finally gave us the emotion he’s been missing from his premiership
15:45 , David MaddoxPlans for UK-EU summit being ‘reassessed’ after Starmer announces resignation
15:35 , Daniel HaygarthA UK-EU summit which could be Andy Burnham’s debut as prime minister on the world stage is in doubt after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation.
The summit is due to take place on July 22 in Brussels, which could be just days after Mr Burnham enters No 10 if there is no contest to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader.
But with the turmoil in Westminster, the European Commission indicated it was “reassessing” whether the meeting would still go ahead.
Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said “our relations with the UK are and will remain strong”.
She said: “On the question of the EU-UK summit, against the announcement this morning of the resignation by Prime Minister Starmer, we are reassessing with (European Council) president (Antonio) Costa and the UK the opportunity of still holding the summit as had been announced last week and we will take if from here.”
Mr Costa suggested the meeting would be pushed back.
He said: “Now for sure we need to postpone it, but we are reassessing the opportunity of this new summit.
“But my wish is that his successor could give continuity on this good path to re
Burnham poses for first day photograph with Labour colleagues
15:22 , Dan Haygarth
Andy Burnham has joined a large number of Labour MPs and peers for a welcome photograph in Parliament’s Westminster Hall.
The new MP for Makerfield stood in front of his Labour colleagues on a set of stone stairs leading up through the cavernous medieval hall on the Westminster estate.
He was welcomed into the hall with a round of applause and was accompanied by deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, and Jessica Morden, chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Senior serving ministers were among those who gathered for the photo call, including chancellor Rachel Reeves, energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and chief whip Jonathan Reynolds.
Wes Streeting, a former leadership rival who said on Monday he would row behind Mr Burnham’s leadership bid was also there, as was former defence minister Al Carns, who previously suggested he would seek to challenge the Prime Minister in the event of a leadership contest.
Other senior Labour figures included Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister.
Sir Keir Starmer was not there for the photograph.
Starmer is owed 'our deepest thanks', Mahmood says
15:15 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer is a “devoted and dedicated public servant” who is owed “our deepest thanks”, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said earlier today.
Posting on X, she said: “Keir Starmer led our party from the brink, back to power.
“He won a landslide victory, which few in our party’s history have done before.
“That achievement will never be forgotten. In office, he put us on the path to the change we promised at the last election.
“A devoted and dedicated public servant, we owe him our deepest thanks.”
Back and forth as Burnham heckled on return to the Commons
15:07 , Dan HaygarthSir Desmond Swayne, a Conservative former minister, heckled as Andy Burnham approached the House of Commons clerks to be sworn in.
“Rome is saved,” he said.
In another heckle, MPs were told that “he’s not the messiah”.
Nodding to Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Mr Burnham replied: “Naughty boy.”
Douglas Lumsden, the new Conservative MP for Aberdeen South, was sworn in before Mr Burnham on Monday afternoon, taking the oath using a Bible.
New SNP MP Lara Bird also took the oath.
Before she took the oath, she said: “I take this oath only so that I can serve the people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
“My first allegiance is and always will be the sovereign people of Scotland.”
Why Starmer’s resignation speech struck a chord with an ex-No 10 adviser
14:57 , Dan HaygarthIn The Room co-host and former No 10 special advisor Cleo Watson has reacted to Keir Starmer’s emotional resignation speech, drawing parallels to her former boss Theresa May’s departure.
Cleo explains how hard these moments are for the family of the prime minister, and says that Starmer, despite knowing he will soon be replaced, must continue to do the job of running the country in the lead up to the summer recess.
For more analysis on what exactly happens next inside No 10, the crucial mistake made by Starmer, and Wes Streeting’s sudden turn from Labour leadership contender to Burnham backer, tune in to In The Room tomorrow to hear from Cleo and Helen MacNamara, ex-deputy cabinet secretary. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Burnham flanked by Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley and Leigh and Atherton’s Jo Platt as he returns to the Commons
14:47 , Dan HaygarthAndy Burnham has been sworn in as the Labour MP for Makerfield after last week’s by-election.
He was sworn in using a Bible and took the oath of allegiance to the Crown, and walked to the House of Commons despatch box flanked by Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley and Leigh and Atherton’s Jo Platt.
Mr Burnham said: “I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.”
Andy Burnham sworn in as Makerfield MP
14:41 , Athena StavrouAndy Burnham has been sworn in as MP for Makerfield.
The now-former mayor of Greater Manchester was greeted by loud cheers as he entered the Commons to swear his oath.
Wearing a suit and tie, he looked in good spirits as he returned to Parliament after nine years away.
Burnham sworn in
14:40 , Dan HaygarthAndy Burnham has been sworn in as the Labour MP for Makerfield following last week’s by-election.
Burnham arrives in Westminster
14:31 , Dan HaygarthAndy Burnham entered the parliamentary estate through the gate at Canon Row, escorted by security staff.
As Mr Burnham and his team swept through Parliament’s Portcullis House office complex, he met former defence secretary John Healey.
The pair hugged and exchanged brief words before Mr Burnham continued towards the Commons chamber to be sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield.
Key Burnham ally pays tribute to Starmer but says Labour 'owes it to British people' to choose correct next leader
14:27 , Dan Haygarth
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region and a close friend of Andy Burnham, said of Sir Keir Starmer: “He is an honourable man, and he demonstrated that again today.
“By stepping aside, he is putting the party in the strongest possible position to go on and earn a second term in government. I wish Keir, Vic and their family all the very best for the future.
“Our return to office was hard fought. We must now come together and get behind whoever our next leader will be.
“Millions of people put their faith in a Labour government to deliver change - and change is what the country still needs.
“We owe it to people in every part of Britain to ensure we choose the right person to deliver it.”
Andy Burnham looks set to become the next prime minister – here’s what that could mean for Britain
14:15 , Dan Haygarth‘Manchesterism’ underpins veteran politician’s plan for Britain. Here’s what Burnham says he would do as PM.
What would Andy Burnham’s policies be if he becomes prime minister?
Watch: Burnham says calls for general election 'jumping too far ahead' as he arrives in London
14:05 , Dan HaygarthMedia frenzy greets Burnham in London
14:00 , Dan HaygarthAndy Burnham was greeted by a media frenzy at Euston station and left by taxi as he headed to Westminster to be sworn in as the MP for Makerfield.
Mr Burnham’s train arrived 21 minutes late at 1.30pm and it was a full 16 minutes until he exited the station into a black cab through an underpass at 1.46pm.
Lucy Powell MP was seen smiling as she left the station from the same train through a corridor of photographers and journalists at 1.32pm.
Around 50 journalists, photographers and videographers were waiting to greet Mr Burnham through the pedestrian exit of platform 13.
Burnham heads to Westminster in a taxi
13:56 , Dan Haygarth
Burnham dismisses call for general election as he arrives in London
13:52 , Athena StavrouAndy Burnham dismissed the idea of calling a general election as he arrived in London ahead of being sworn in as Makerfield’s MP.
Asked whether there should be a general election if he was to become prime minister, the now-former mayor of Greater Manchester said that is “jumping several hurdles”.
Speaking to reporters on the platform at London Euston, where his train arrives several minutes late, he said it had been “very sad” to leave his job as mayor in the city region.
He will now travel to parliament to be sworn in as MP, where he will be welcomed by many of his Labour colleagues hoping he will soon be prime minister.
Lammy to deliver G7 statement instead of Starmer
13:23 , Athena StavrouDavid Lammy will be delivering the scheduled statement on the G7 to the Commons this afternoon, despite not having been to last week’s summit.
Sir Keir Starmer was initially meant to be addressing MPs, but his deputy will now take his place following his resignation on Monday morning.
Gordon Brown says Keir Starmer's 'place in history' is assured
13:16 , Dan HaygarthThe former prime minister said in a social media post: “Keir Starmer’s place in history is assured. We owe Keir a debt of gratitude for taking Labour from its worst electoral defeat in 2019, bringing Labour back into government with a huge majority in 2024 and then guiding Britain through difficult times nationally and globally.
“I know Keir as a decent honourable leader who has at all times been determined to put the needs of the country first. Today we think also of the huge support given by Vic and their family and wish them all well in the future.”
Which Labour MPs and ministers are backing Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer?
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as prime minister just days after Andy Burnham – seen by many as his likely leadership successor – won the decisive contest to become Makerfield’s next MP.
The former Manchester mayor is no stranger to the halls of Westminster, sitting as a Labour MP from 2001 to 2017 and holding several ministerial positions, including health minister.
Here are the MPs understood to be allies of Mr Burnham, likely to lend support to his potentially uncontested leadership bid and possibly make an appearance in his cabinet:
Which Labour MPs and ministers are backing Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer?
