Former Non-MP Becomes UK Prime Minister Hopeful Just One Week After Winning By-Election
Image source, PA Media
Following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement, Andy Burnham—considered a leading contender to succeed him—has been sworn in as MP after winning a by-election.
Two key events on Monday have strongly indicated two significant upcoming outcomes.
While Starmer was planning his departure, Wes Streeting announced support for Andy Burnham as a candidate for Prime Minister.
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, only became an MP on Monday after winning the by-election.
This development has quickly revealed the likely new leader of the UK following Starmer’s exit.
Burnham is expected to become the UK’s fifth Prime Minister within four years.
The new MP for Makerfield, Burnham, has been seen smiling among hundreds of Labour MPs, while on the other hand, Keir Starmer and his wife appeared visibly emotional.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ presence at Burnham’s event is considered notable. After the Prime Minister’s resignation, Reeves was rarely seen with other senior ministers.
Some senior leaders expect to continue their roles in the upcoming government, though new influential figures remain to be convinced.
Supporters argue that Reeves should remain as Finance Minister in the new administration because she has maintained market confidence, a factor that could aid Burnham.
However, given Reeves’ close ties to Starmer’s administration, it seems unlikely Burnham will keep her on.
Some suggest Streeting might even replace Burnham, though Streeting has denied any offer of this sort.
After Monday’s dramatic events, various questions have arisen about the Labour Party and Burnham.
An individual who was not even a parliamentary candidate until the last general election and who was not an MP until just a week ago could potentially become Prime Minister next month.
According to one minister, Burnham had previously been Labour’s leadership candidate twice but lost both times.
So, what is the current appeal of Burnham?
Image source, Getty Images
In brief, he currently stands victorious while Starmer appears defeated.
Furthermore, he made significant gains in the previous local elections and defeated candidates from Reform UK—a tough victory to achieve to gain a seat in Parliament.
However, many still do not know what Burnham plans to do once in government. “Labour MPs are like passengers on an unknown train whose destination remains unclear,” a source said.
During the by-election, he presented some plans.
But these were focused on local issues, largely because winning was imperative.
Regarding Starmer’s resignation, Burnham stated on social media that people want to see “progress in economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for future generations.”
How to achieve this, however, remains under intense scrutiny.
There is a lack of detailed planning and some members of the party feel uneasy about the limited timeframe. Some Labour MPs have approached the Prime Minister’s chief of staff to urge Starmer to reconsider and challenge Burnham again.
Sources close to Burnham say this possibility is unlikely but not entirely ruled out.
The next decisive phase will be when Burnham unveils his clear policy and vision.