Following the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, is entering the race for the Labour Party leadership and the premiership. Burnham announced on Monday that he would be standing in the election.
“The country expects stability, seriousness, and a continued focus on the most important issues-and that is exactly what it will receive,” Burnham wrote on X. He stated that the public wants to see progress in economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation, and he promised a “positive renewal process” for both the country and the party.
In this succession contest, Burnham also has the backing of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was previously seen as a potential successor to Starmer. Streeting confirmed on Monday that he would not be campaigning against Burnham for the party leadership. There are currently no other prominent rivals visible for Burnham.
Burnham recently returned to the British House of Commons, having previously served in the Chamber from 2001 to 2017. He was Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026. Furthermore, he held several cabinet positions between 2007 and 2010 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
