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How quickly could Andy Burnham become the UK’s prime minister?

The Guardian Politics Wednesday 17 June 2026, 19:57 UTC By Peter Walker Senior political correspondent 1 min read
Key Points

If he wins Makerfield byelection, Greater Manchester mayor faces a number of scenarios in his bid to replace Keir StarmerThose who don’t pay much attention to politics could be forgiven for not being fully on top of this, but the UK could have a new prime minister soon – potentially within weeks. So how quickly could Andy Burnham replace Keir Starmer, if Burnham wins Thursday’s Makerfield byelection? Actually, quite quickly, but only if events go in a particular way.

If he wins Makerfield byelection, Greater Manchester mayor faces a number of scenarios in his bid to replace Keir Starmer

Those who don’t pay much attention to politics could be forgiven for not being fully on top of this, but the UK could have a new prime minister soon – potentially within weeks.

So how quickly could Andy Burnham replace Keir Starmer, if Burnham wins Thursday’s Makerfield byelection? Actually, quite quickly, but only if events go in a particular way. And there are plenty of alternate outcomes.

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Andy Burnham (PERSON) UK (LOCATION) Makerfield (PERSON) Greater Manchester (LOCATION) Keir StarmerThose (PERSON) Keir Starmer (PERSON) Burnham (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian Politics Read original →

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