Keir Starmer to Step Down as Labour Leader After Party’s Special-Election Losses

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that he had lost the support of Labour MPs and would step down once his successor as party leader is chosen, possibly by the middle of July. The announcement followed a special UK election result the previous week. Andy Burnham confirmed the same day that he will run for the Labour leadership.

Burnham, aged 56, won the Makerfield constituency in north-west England, increasing Labour's vote share to nearly 55 percent and defeating the Reform UK candidate. He arrived in London on Monday and was sworn in as an MP after nearly a decade away from Parliament while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester. Starmer said he would remain prime minister until his successor is in place.

Labour's national executive committee will open nominations on July 9. If Burnham is the only candidate, he could be confirmed as party leader about a week later. A contest would likely extend the process into September.

Burnham said Starmer's decision marks the beginning of a transition that should be conducted in an orderly and responsible way. He added that the country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most. Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last month, said he would support Burnham.

Streeting stated that Burnham can win the fight against the forces of nationalism. To enter the contest, a candidate must secure the backing of one-fifth of Labour's MPs, or 81 lawmakers. Candidates who cross that threshold must then win support from 5 percent of local constituency parties or at least three party affiliates such as trade unions.

Eligible party members and affiliates vote using a ranked system, with the winner needing more than 50 percent of the vote.