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
From welfare cuts to digital ID: Every Labour U-turn over past two years as Starmer resigns
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: 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
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 GoochPost 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?
Burnham mobbed by crowds at Manchester Piccadilly station en route to Westminster
13:00 , Dan HaygarthUnite boss says Starmer made 'right decision' but warns failure to act will mean 'doomsday' for Labour
12:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUnite general secretary Sharon Graham has said Sir Keir Starmer made the “right decision” in resigning but warned Labour must learn from their errors to avoid a “doomsday scenario”.
She said: “Keir Starmer’s decision to resign was the honourable and the right decision.
“It is critical now that Labour focuses on delivering for workers and communities. There is no time to waste, everyday people are literally on their knees. Labour has one last shot to learn from the errors of the last two years.
“A failure to act, will result in a doomsday scenario for Labour.”
Could anyone stand against Andy Burnham?
12:45 , Dan Haygarth
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has ruled out standing against Andy Burnham, and said he will back the Makerfield MP for the premiership.
He had previously repeatedly insisted he had the 81 names required to mount a leadership bid, and spent weeks after resigning from Government setting out his stall.
The question now remains whether anyone else will throw their hat in the ring to be Sir Keir’s successor.
Former Royal Marines officer Al Carns, who quit as armed forces minister in a row over defence funding and the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, has previously hinted he would seek to enter a leadership race.
Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, he did not explicitly rule out standing in a contest, but signalled he might not make the leap, writing on social media that Labour needed to “to see if we can get our act together and focus on the work we were elected to do. That’s where my focus is now”.
Andy Burnham says emotional goodbye to GMCA offices as he heads to Westminster
12:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAndy Burnham has bid an emotional farewell to his former colleagues at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) where he has worked as mayor since 2017.
Showing off his leaving gift of a chair printed with the favourite Mancunian quote: “This is Manchester, we do things differently here,” Mr Burnham wrote on X: Oh my goodness, it was SO hard to say goodbye to everyone at the GMCA.
“Thank you all for everything. I have loved working with you and will miss you so much.
“You couldn’t have given me a better leaving present!”
Oh my goodness, it was SO hard to say goodbye to everyone at the GMCA. 🥹
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 22, 2026
Thank you all for everything. I have loved working with you and will miss you so much. 🙏🏻
You couldn’t have given me a better leaving present! 🙌🏻
🐝🐝🐝 pic.twitter.com/6jQSIXbjpN
Starmer was 'perfectly within his rights to defend the mandate he won' says former Labour Party senior adviser
12:30 , Dan HaygarthStarmer played 'significant role' in 'resetting Irish-British relationship', Taoiseach says
12:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer played a “significant role” in “resetting the Irish-British” relationship, Ireland’s premier has said.
In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin conveyed his “best wishes” to Sir Keir following the announcement of his resignation.
Mr Martin said: “I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as prime minister.
“Since Keir took office two years ago, he has worked with us to set a new direction and depth in the relationship between Ireland and the UK, for the benefit of all our citizens, north-south and east-west.
“Our two governments also took an important step forward in dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland publishing a Joint Framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.”
He added: “Keir is a person of great ability, decency and honour and I want to wish him, his wife Victoria and their family, very well in their next chapter.
“I have no doubt that his successor as prime minister will wish to continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland, and we will continue to work in furtherance of that objective.”
'Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine': Zelensky pays tribute to Starmer
12:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVolodymyr Zelensky is at the front of the pack of international leaders paying tribute to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership this afternoon.
The Ukrainian president thanked the prime minister for the “cooperation, support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger”.
In a post on X, Mr Zelensky wrote: “The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world’s leaders.
“Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every meeting and every conversation we have had has always been filled with real substance. Thank you for always being in touch, always engaged, and always striving to do what is needed and what will truly help.
“I wish the United Kingdom and all British people every success as well as realisation of your national goals. We have confidence in Britain.
“Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine.”
Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 22, 2026
The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world’s leaders. Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every… pic.twitter.com/Ucxhf7D2FS
How soon will a contest begin?
12:15 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer said he wanted nominations to open on 9 July for the Labour leadership.
Labour’s rules mean getting onto the ballot can be a complex process, with candidates requiring the backing of 81 MPs, 20 per cent of the party’s parliamentary strength.
The prime minister said he wanted the nomination process to be completed by the time Parliament breaks up for the summer.
This is likely to mean the parliamentary stage of the contest being completed by 16 July, the last day before recess.
If Andy Burnham – whose return to Westminster hammered the final nail into Sir Keir’s political coffin – is the only candidate, he could become Labour leader by around 17 July.
Music played during Starmer's resignation as 'mark of respect', activist claims
12:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnti-Brexit activist Steve Bray has said he played “Ode to Joy” outside the gates to Downing Street during Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation speech as a “goodbye”.
Sir Keir previously told Classic FM in a 2023 interview the choral symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven “sums up” the Labour Party.
“That was my way of saying goodbye to him,” Mr Bray told the Press Association.
“It was a mark of respect.”
Ed Miliband says Labour must 'redouble our efforts' after Starmer resignation
12:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEnergy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has been touted as a potential leadership candidate, said the Labour Party must redouble its efforts to change Britain.
Mr Miliband, who led Labour in opposition between 2010 and 2015, said: “Keir Starmer can be immensely proud of his achievements in bringing Labour back to power and leading two years in government to make Britain a fairer, stronger country.
“Today’s statement showed the great dignity and integrity that is the mark of the man.
“Keir has made an enormous contribution to public service throughout his career, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.
“The Labour Party was elected to change Britain, and we must now redouble our efforts to deliver the bold and credible change that the British people deserve.”
Analysis: The clock ticking on 17 days for Burnham to become PM
12:00 , David MaddoxWith Wes Streeting saying he will back Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, the contest is over before it began.
As revealed on Saturday by The Independent, talks had been taking place as Mr Streeting attempted to secure the role of chancellor in Mr Burnham’s prospective government.
But it means Sir Keir will leave Downing Street on 9 July and Mr Burnham could move in - in just 17 days.
There will be no holding on until September, as he hoped.
In the meantime, Mr Burnham is still yet to become an MP and get sworn in after his victory in the Makerfield by-election last week.
Nevertheless, an early coronation event is now on the cards with Labour MPs being told in no uncertain terms that they need to join Mr Burnham for a welcoming photo call in Westminster Hall.
The medieval venue is the original Commons where a King - Charles I - was sentenced to death by MPs and, in effect, replaced by Oliver Cromwell.
Now the self-styled King of the North will be using it as the place where he hopes to take the crown from Sir Keir in a more bloodless coup.
Swinney says Sir Keir Starmer made the ‘right decision’ in quitting Number 10
12:00 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer made the “right decision” to quit, John Swinney said, with Scotland’s first minister insisting it was “past time” for the Labour leader to “face reality”.
With Sir Keir now departing Downing Street – becoming the sixth prime minister in 10 years to do so – Mr Swinney said there was now “some hope that things can change”.
But he insisted that rather than simply a change of personnel – with Andy Burnham now the most likely candidate to become the next incumbent at Number 10 – what is needed is a “fundamental change of direction”.
In pictures: Burnham heads for London to be sworn in as MP
11:55 , Daniel Haygarth
Corbyn criticises Starmer's legacy
11:50 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer’s predecessor as Labour leader wrote on X: “Keir Starmer could have ended child poverty, homelessness and the grotesque levels of inequality in this country.
“Instead, he abandoned those in need, destroyed our civil liberties and facilitated genocide in Gaza.
“That is how this Prime Minister will be remembered - and that is the legacy of moral and political bankruptcy he leaves behind.
“The crises in our society are not going away. Neither are we - and we will keep fighting for a more equal, peaceful and dignified society for all.”
Keir Starmer could have ended child poverty, homelessness and the grotesque levels of inequality in this country.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 22, 2026
Instead, he abandoned those in need, destroyed our civil liberties and facilitated genocide in Gaza.
That is how this Prime Minister will be remembered - and that…
Angela Rayner pays tribute to Starmer
11:45 , Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer’s former deputy Angela Rayner has paid tribute to the outgoing prime minister upon his resignation.
Ms Rayner, who resigned last September over her tax affairs, said she was “proud to serve as Deputy as he led our party into government”.
“I know just how hard it is to both hold and leave office, not just on those who held it but all those close to them too, as Keir rightly acknowledged today,” she wrote on X. “He spoke with dignity and duty, and my thoughts are with him and his family.”
She added: “History will remember not just the challenges he faced but the achievements he oversaw.”
Ms Rayner has previously been seen as a potential challenger to Sir Keir herself, but has instead backed Andy Burnham in recent weeks.
She wrote: "Labour was elected to change Britain, and as a new chapter begins, we must now redouble our efforts to deliver for working people."
Burnham’s call for a general election in wake of Tory leadership drama resurfaces
11:40 , Athena StavrouAs predicted, Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation has prompted political opposition to call for a general election as soon as possible.
Nigel Farage has claimed Andy Burnham doesn’t have the mandate to lead the country, and demanded a national contest.
While Labour will likely resist the call, they face a unique problem in that many senior figures - including Mr Burnham himself - called for a general election after Conservative leaders were replaced during their tenure.
Reform MP Robert Jenrick posted a screenshot of a 2022 post from Mr Burnham which stated: “We need to start demanding a General Election at the end of this Tory leadership election. They were all elected on a manifesto promise to level up the North and are all abandoning it.”
Angela Rayner also called for a general election in 2022, after accusing the Tories of having “crowned” Rishi Sunak - something many expect Labour will now do for Mr Burnham.
We need to start demanding a General Election at the end of this Tory leadership election.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) July 13, 2022
They were all elected on a manifesto promise to level up the North and are all abandoning it. pic.twitter.com/8XjRLpEMqz
