Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham to become Labour leader and PM

Wes Streeting, the former health secretary who resigned from Keir Starmer's government last month, has said he will back Andy Burnham to become the next Labour leader, paving the way for Burnham to replace Starmer as prime minister in July.

Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election last week and will be sworn in as an MP on Monday, announced he would put himself forward for the leadership. In a statement, he said Starmer's decision to step down marks the beginning of a transition that must be conducted in an orderly and responsible manner.

Streeting posted on X that Burnham hopes to build an inclusive party and that he himself will not contest the leadership. This comes as Starmer, yielding to mounting pressure from his MPs, announced a swift timetable for his departure, less than two years after his landslide general election victory.

Starmer will ask Labour's national executive committee to set a contest timetable, with nominations opening on 9 July. If a membership vote is held, it would be completed during the parliamentary summer recess, with Starmer staying on until then. With Streeting bowing out, Burnham could run unopposed and take over around 16 July, when the Commons recess begins.

Some Labour MPs believe a contest would challenge Burnham on his ideas, but many prefer a coronation to minimise disruption after the UK's seventh prime minister in 10 years. Burnham thanked Starmer for his leadership and emphasised the need for stability and focus on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation.