Labour Leader Resigns, Opening Path for Burnham Leadership

Sir Keir Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers. The prime minister delivered an emotional speech outside the prime minister's residence, thanking his wife and stating he now aimed to be the best dad he can to his children.

Several papers described the resignation as emotional, with one reporting that Starmer was on the verge of tears while accepting calls from ministers and Labour MPs to step down. The Metro used the headline "Keir's tears... Andy's crown," while the Guardian carried the caption "Starmer bows out...

" The Daily Mail described Burnham as a "messiah without a mandate" and reported that he is on course for a "coronation" next month.

Labour leadership nominations close on 16 July.

If no other candidates come forward, Burnham would become leader without a contest. The i Paper reported that former Health Secretary Wes Streeting abandoned his own leadership push after secret weekend talks with Burnham. The Times reported that the chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, is considering standing for the leadership to trigger a contest even if he has no chance of winning.

The Times also reported that Burnham will use a speech next week to pledge to expand the economy and commit to Labour's fiscal rules.