Starmer Resigns as UK PM, Clearing Path for Burnham by September
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Starmer Resigns as UK PM, Clearing Path for Burnham by September
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Summary
Keir Starmer said he will quit as Labour leader and stay prime minister only until a successor is chosen, setting up Britain’s seventh prime minister in 10 years.
Labour’s mutiny followed devastating May local-election losses, after Starmer’s standing had already been hurt by policy reversals, a weak economy and controversy over appointing Peter Mandelson ambassador to Washington.
Andy Burnham formally launched his bid within hours, and Wes Streeting’s endorsement made a bruising leadership contest less likely; if Burnham is unopposed, he could take over as early as July.
Markets stayed relatively calm — the pound recovered from earlier losses and 10-year gilt yields edged lower — even as investors weighed Burnham’s limited national economic track record.
Burnham’s rise points to a possible shift toward his 'Manchesterism' model of stronger public control and local power, while Britain’s broader post-Brexit cycle of leadership churn remains unresolved.