Andy Burnham has confirmed on Twitter that he will be standing to succeed the recently resigned Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in perhaps this morning’s least surprising social media post so far.
Announcing his candidacy from the train to London, where he is yet to be sworn in as an MP following his victory in the Makerfield by-election, the outgoing Greater Manchester Mayor and incoming Makerfield MP, thanked Keir Starmer for his service, and insisted that the transition must take place in an “orderly and responsible way.”
The latest developments mean a year of Burnham/Starmer drama that began back at the very beginning of 2026, when Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election by Labour’s NEC, may finally be drawing to a close.
READ MORE: Starmer clears the way for Burnham premiership with emotional Downing Street resignation
The NEC were apparently already fearful of a leadership challenge as Starmer’s authority visibly waned. That election was won by the Greens’ Hannah Spencer, as Labour’s support seemingly transferred their allegiance en masse to the plucky plumber to keep the far-right Reform out – Labour, who had previously held the seat, were pushed into a humiliating third place.
Burnham’s statement in full said:
“Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
“As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
Separately, former health secretary Wes Streeting, seen as Burnham’s most likely rival for the top job, has confirmed he will not be standing against the new Makerfield MP, potentially clearing the way for a near-immediate coronation of Starmer’s nemesis without the need for a poll of the parliamentary Labour Paety.
