Keir Starmer resigns: Andy Burnham confirms leadership bid after tearful Prime Minister sets out timeline to leave number 10

Keir Starmer resigns: Andy Burnham confirms leadership bid after tearful Prime Minister sets out timeline to leave number 10 Andy Burnham has confirmed he will stand in a bid to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader after the Prime Minister announced his resignation today, having acknowledged his support in the party had drained away Andy Burnham will stand to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader after the Prime Minister announced his No10 exit this morning. Burnham, on his way to Westminster to be sworn in as an MP this afternoon, followed up Starmer's resignation speech by describing it as the beginning of a transition”, adding he will “put myself forward as part of this process”. Immediately after Burham's announcement, former health secretary Wes Streeting said he would back him for the party leadership, saying “he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism”. He had been seen as a potential rival to Burnham for the top job. Their moves came after the PM took to the podium in Downing Street to announce his decision to quit and laid out plans for leaving office in a bid to ensure an "orderly transition" in running the country, with nominations opening on July 9 in a contest to replace him. Voice cracking with emotion, Starmer said becoming Prime Minister had been the “proudest moment of my life” but accepted: "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election - I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party." The Prime Minister had been bunkered down at Chequers with his wife Victoria over the weekend weighing up his future and she was at his side as he announced his resignation. They both stood before No 10 before going back in, again to loud applause and cheers for his team gathered outside. Burnham is due back in Westminster at around 2.30pm to be sworn in as an MP in the wake of his emphatic victory in the Makerfield by-election. Follow live updates below.... Key Events Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper praised Starmer for his time in office but said the Labour Party needed to come out of the leadership change as "stronger". Cooper said: "Keir Starmer led the Labour Party from one of our worst defeats in history in 2019 to one of our most decisive election victories five years later. All the things this Labour Government has done and will do in the future to build a fairer, stronger country are only possible because of what Keir has done over the last six years. "Throughout, he has always shown great strength, dignity and determination to put public service and the interests of the country first. We saw that again in his words today. "Since taking Labour back into government, Keir has also decisively restored Britain's credibility as an important and trusted voice on the world stage, and a driving force in solving every shared problem. This remains a vital time for global security and we must keep our focus on the pursuit of peace and stability, from Ukraine and Gaza, to Sudan and the Strait of Hormuz. "This has been a difficult time for the government and the Labour Party. As we move forward, we must come out of this process stronger, more united, and fully focused on building the fairer country that we promised the British people less than two years ago." Keir Starmer announced today he had told the King he will resign as Prime Minister in an emotional statement to the nation outside No10. Bowing to intense pressure from MPs and the senior members of the Cabinet, Mr Starmer said he would step down when a new leader of the Labour Party is in place. Here The Mirror looks at what could happen next - and the possible timetable. Nominations for new Labour leader to open in July Keir Starmer said he had asked Labour’s governing body - the National Executive Committee (NEC) - to set out a timetable to elect the party’s next leader. He said nominations for a new leader will open on July 9 - in just over a fortnight - and close at the start of summer recess on July 16. The PM said today: “In the case of a contest this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September. I will remain in post as Prime Minister until a contest is complete and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.” Will there be a leadership contest? The exact timing of the PM’s departure from No10 is out of his hands because it is far from certain there will be a leadership contest. Allies of Andy Burnham - considered the frontrunner to replace the PM - want there to be a coronation-style handover of power to the ex-Greater Manchester Mayor. In this scenario, Mr Burnham, who today confirmed he will run, could become leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister by mid-July. But it would require no other ambitious Labour MP rivals to throw their hats into the ring. In a major boost to team Burnham - just an hour after the PM's resignation - the former Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would back him for the top job. READ THE FULL STORY HERE. Andy Burnham arrived at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) offices to say goodbye to staff before heading to London to become an MP. From the train to London, the former-Mayor revealed the present staff presented to him today, which was a chair that appears to have a pattern for the Bee Network - Manchester's public transport system. A quote on the chair said: "This is Manchester. We do things differently here..." Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has been touted as a potential leadership candidate, said the Labour Party must redouble its efforts to change Britain. Mr Miliband, who led Labour in opposition between 2010 and 2015, said: "Keir Starmer can be immensely proud of his achievements in bringing Labour back to power and leading two years in Government to make Britain a fairer, stronger country. "Today's statement showed the great dignity and integrity that is the mark of the man. Keir has made an enormous contribution to public service throughout his career, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. "The Labour Party was elected to change Britain, and we must now redouble our efforts to deliver the bold and credible change that the British people deserve." Chancellor Rachel Reeves has paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership as she said "there is more to do". She posted on social media: "From taking our party from the worst defeat in modern history, Keir Starmer turned it around and delivered a landslide majority just four years later. "That was thanks to the public trusting us on the economy and on security, and thanks to our commitment to investing in every part of our country, in our public services and rebalancing the economy so it works for working people. "Our economy is now better protected from global instability. We were the fastest growing G7 economy at the start of the year, we've had six interest rate cuts and inflation has held steady. We have achieved a lot together to be proud of, and there is more to do. I am grateful for Keir's leadership and the work he has done to build a stronger, more secure Britain." Reeves was not present with other cabinet members, on Downing Street, as Starmer made his resignation speech this morning. Sir Keir Starmer is a "devoted and dedicated public servant" who is owed our deepest thanks", Home Secretary has said. Posting on X, Shabana Mahmood said: "Keir Starmer led our party from the brink, back to power. He won a landslide victory, which few in our party's history have done before. "That achievement will never be forgotten. In office, he put us on the path to the change we promised at the last election. A devoted and dedicated public servant, we owe him our deepest thanks." Mirror Political Correspondent Sophie Huskisson… Wes Streeting will not run in a leadership race to replace Keir Starmer - and is backing Andy Burnham to take over as PM. It’s a significant development as he was seen as Burnham’s main rival. Streeting had already started to retreat after Burnham’s seismic victory in last week’s Makerfield by-election. The former Cabinet minister previously said he was ready to trigger a leadership challenge against Starmer. But it was clear momentum was with Burnham after he proved he could beat Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Rumours were swirling over the weekend that Streeting and Burnham could make a deal to prevent a messy leadership race and weeks of Labour infighting dominating the summer. Streeting’s supporters - including Jess Phillips who resigned as a Home Office minister to back Streeting - admitted a deal may be the best way forward. In an explosive letter after Starmer resigned, Streeting said he’d “spoken at length” with Burnham over the weekend and said he’d been “convinced” there is a place for his political beliefs under his leadership. It’s also likely Burnham offered Streeting - who has long been known to have leadership ambitions - something in return for him backing down. Streeting’s retreat is a huge signal of the support Burnham has garnered across Labour MPs. Even if Streeting had the 81 Labour MPs to run in a race, it is clear the odds are not in his favour. There is still a possibility that someone else - such as a Starmer loyalist MP - will throw their hat into the ring. But if not, Burnham could see himself crowned in a prime ministerial coronation by July 17/18. The ex-Deputy Prime Minister shared a statment stating she was "proud" to work with Starmer but failed to mention the leadership race. On X, Rayner wrote: "I know just how hard it is to both hold and leave office, not just on those who held it but all those close to them too, as Keir rightly acknowledged today. He spoke with dignity and duty, and my thoughts are with him and his family. "I was proud to serve as Deputy as he led our party into government. History will remember not just the challenges he faced but the achievements he oversaw. I pay tribute to his record of dedicated public service. "His premiership saw us legislate new rights for working people, renters and leaseholders, invest in a generational boost to social housing, devolve powers to communities, the creation of Great British Energy and Great British Railways, action to tackle child poverty and so much more. This is a record of which any Labour government could be proud. "Labour was elected to change Britain, and as a new chapter begins, we must now redouble our efforts to deliver for working people." Rayner left the Government over a scandal about her tax affairs but the matter was resolved without any penalty. If there is no contest to Andy Burnham's leadership bid, a leader could be named on July 17 or 18. The World Cup final is on July 19. Both England and Scotland are in the tournament. Andy Burnham was spotted at Manchester Piccadilly Station getting on the train as he starts his journey back to Westminster. His train is expected to pull into London at 1.10pm. Former armed forces minister Al Carns said Sir Keir Starmer "has done the right thing" by resigning. The former Royal Marines officer, who quit in a row over defence funding and the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, has previously hinted he would seek to enter a Labour leadership race. Posting on X, he said: "Keir has done the right thing. It took courage to make that decision and I respect him for it. The Labour Party now has an important job to do. The country is watching to see if we can get our act together and focus on the work we were elected to do. That’s where my focus is now. "We have the ideas, we have the talent, but we need the courage and leadership to deliver them. That’s what comes next." Wes Streeting, who previously suggetsed he would throw his hat into a leadership race, has said he will not run to takeover from Starmer. The former Health Secretary shared a statement on X where he said he will support Burnham in a leadership contest and urged the rest of the Labour Party to do the same. Streeting wrote: "We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up out sleeves and help him deliver the change our Party and country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy, too." The former Greater Manchester Mayor has confirmed he will put himself forward to takeover from Keir Starmer. In a post on X, Burnham 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." Scotland's First Minister has said a "fundamental change of direction" is needed, following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he will resign as Prime Minister. John Swinney said more than a "change of personnel" is required. In a statement released on Monday, Mr Swinney said: "On a personal level, I wish the Prime Minister and his family well. "Leadership is tough, and can make extraordinary demands both on the leader and their families. Sir Keir Starmer has made the right decision. It was past time for him to face reality and the fact he now has allows some hope that things can change." He continued: "However, rather than simply a change of personnel, what is needed is a fundamental change of direction. Labour's time in power has been characterised by broken promises, poor judgment and, ultimately, failure." On independence, Swinney said: "We have repeatedly been promised change, but it has never been clearer that no matter who holds the keys to Number 10 that is just not possible within the Westminster system. "A fresh start is possible, but only with independence. That is the future I will continue to fight for as I lead a government that is delivering on Scotland’s priorities – tackling the cost of living, growing our economy and building a fairer nation." Andy Burnham has left the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) offices after saying goodbye to staff. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester arrived at the Oxford Street building at about 8.50am and left shortly after 10.30am. He was driven out of the building's car park in the back of a silver people carrier. The car was then snapped pulling up to Manchester Piccadilly Station, and Burnham is believed to be taking the train down to London. Among those attending Burnham's farewell meeting was the authority's active travel commissioner and paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, who left on her bike shortly before Burnham. A Labour MP said history will likely be "kinder to Keir Starmer than the opinion polls have been". Mr Akehurst, MP for North Durham and a member of the party's National Executive Committee, signed a letter in May in support of Sir Keir staying on. In a post on social media, he said: "History will probably be kinder to Keir Starmer than the opinion polls have been. "He achieved what many said was impossible by taking Labour from a broken party, morally compromised by antisemitism and extremism, at the end of the Corbyn era, to a landslide win. "The important thing now is the unity of the party as we attempt to recover lost supporters by delivering on the issues that voters care about: the cost of living, controlling immigration, improving public services, reindustrialising our left behind regions, and rearming to defend the UK in an era of dangerous military threats." Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said the Labour Party "mustn't forget the lessons of our successive defeats" as he paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer. In a post on social media, he said: "I was proud to stand on Downing Street with the Prime Minister this morning. And I'm proud of the Britain that this Labour government is working to deliver – a country where power, wealth and opportunity is shared amongst the many and not the few. "Keir Starmer brought our Labour Party back from the brink into government after 14 years in opposition. He did so because the public trusted us on the economy and on national security, and because they voted for our manifesto. "My party mustn't forget the lessons of our successive defeats, and must remember why and how we won only two years ago. Whatever happens next, we can be grateful for Keir Starmer's leadership and the work his government has done to put Britain back on a path to a brighter future. "We wish Keir and his family all the best for what comes next, and remain forever grateful for what he has done for my party and for our country." Sir Keir Starmer is not angry about resigning as Prime Minister, one of his close Cabinet allies has said. Speaking to Sky News in Downing Street, Attorney General Lord Hermer was asked if he thought the Prime Minister was angry at having to resign. He replied: "I would be, but I don’t think he is. I think he is someone who is genuinely focused on the country and doing the right thing, and you saw that on the podium today." The senior minister had earlier described Starmer's speech as a "moment of extraordinary dignity by the Prime Minister, showing his true decency", adding: "I think he left the podium, walked through the door, showing exactly the same values he displayed when he walked in two years ago." Cabinet ministers have paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer following his announcement that he will resign as Prime Minister. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said on social media: "The Labour Party and the country owes a great deal to Keir Starmer. "Brought Labour back from its worst result in living memory. Won a majority at a general election which history shows does not happen often for Labour leaders. And led the country through difficult times." While Housing Secretary Steve Reed posted on X: "Keir Starmer brought Labour back from the brink, won a landslide majority against all the odds, and is changing Britain for the better. Thank you Keir, we are proud of you." Sir Sadiq Khan paid tribute to Sir Keir Starmer as "a man of great integrity" as he urged the Prime Minister's successor to "invest in every part of the country" – including London. Sir Sadiq said: "Keir Starmer has been a friend and colleague for over three decades, ever since our time as young lawyers. He is man of great integrity who has devoted much of his career to public service. "Keir Starmer has made a huge contribution to the Labour party and our country, and I want to thank him. He is only the fifth Labour leader to have won a general election, which has allowed him to deliver real progress." He added: "We still have more than half of this parliamentary term left, with a huge mandate. The local election results showed that people are impatient for the change that was promised and a Labour government that holds firm to the progressive values our party was established to promote. This should be the focus of the next prime minister. "It's also crucial that the new Labour leader invests in every part of the country. This includes London, which is central to delivering for the rest of the country. We must use the potential of our capital to boost the national economy and raise living standards – for the benefit of Londoners and people right across the country." The Prime Minister spoke to the monarch over the phone this morning before his resignation speech. In his speech, Starmer said: "I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision." Here is Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation speech in full: "Thank you. Thank you. Walking up this street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair. "The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for. The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially and morally bankrupt. I was told, time and time again, that my party was finished. “That we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election, let alone a landslide majority, was impossible. But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party. Ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security. “And becoming a party that, once again, stood proudly with, not against, our national flag. The hard work of change was with a singular purpose. Not power for power’s sake but to change Britain for the better. “To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen, everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few. And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years. “An economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers. Wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power. Investment secured, infrastructure being built. An end to austerity, with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years. “The biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation. The biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War. Small boat crossings falling, asylum hotels closing, protecting young people from social media, and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made. “Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law. Securing trade dues, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe. Change promised by a Labour government. Change fought for by a Labour government, change delivered by a Labour government. “But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party, to take us into power, and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered. “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace. “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision. “I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September. “I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office. “I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years or so for their incredible commitment, service and support. I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary civil service, who dedicate their lives to public service. “And when I leave, the biggest job in the country. I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side, through good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy. Thank you very much." Keir Starmer confirmed he is resigning as Prime Minister and informed the King this morning. In an emotional statement from Downing Street, he said he will remain in power until Labour either elects or chooses its next leader. What happens next? Keir Starmer said he has asked Labour’s governing body - the National Executive Committee (NEC) - to set out a timetable to elect the party’s next leader. He said nominations for a new leader will open on July 9, which will be completed by the summer recess (currently scheduled for July 16). “In the case of a contest this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September,” he said. “I will remain in post as Prime Minister until a contest is complete and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.” Will there be a contest? It is far from certain. Allies of Andy Burnham - considered the frontrunner to replace the PM - want a ‘coronation’ style handover of power to the ex-Greater Manchester Mayor. In this scenario Mr Burnham could become PM by mid-July. But it would require no other ambitious MP to throw their hat into the ring. All eyes will be on Wes Streeting - the former Health Secretary - who has previously said he would stand in any contest to replace the Prime Minister. Whether he sticks by that or cuts a deal with Mr Burnham will become clear in the coming hours or days. What happens if there is a contest? Those wishing to stand to be the next leader will have to secure the backing of 20% - around 81 MPs - of the Parliamentary Labour Party. There are other hurdles including union and local labour party nominations to win a place on the ballot. The candidates will then take part in a series of hustings across the country over the summer months before ballot papers are sent to party members. A contender is declared the winner if they get more than 50% of first preferences, and this usually happens through a process of elimination during rounds of voting. Mr Starmer made clear this morning he wants the process for a new Labour leader - and Prime Minister - finalised in time for the return of Parliament on September 1. Mirror Political Editor Lizzy Buchan writes... Keir Starmer wanted to fight on. But today he said he had heard the message from his party that he wasn't the man to lead them into the general election. He has spent the weekend wrestling with the political reality. Support has been ebbing away since Labour's local election's disaster but in recent days the writing was on the wall. As late as Friday, No10 insiders were saying he would fight a contest - and insisting he could beat Andy Burnham But by Saturday it was clear that all but his closest allies had deserted him, and he had run out of road. Starmer said he accepted this with good grace - and he saw that the best thing for the country and for his party was to step aside. His speech was dignified, and without bitterness, whatever private anger he feels. Unlike Boris Johnson, who took veiled swipes at his colleagues and peppered his speech with hints that he'd be back, Starmer was clear that he accepted the reality. The most striking moment was how visibly emotional he became as he spoke about his wife Vic and his children. Starmer rarely shows emotion - perhaps due to his years as a barrister. But the toll on his family has been intense and this has always weighed on him. I have been told by several people close to him that his kids have struggled with life in Downing Street. He spent the weekend at Chequers thrashing things out with his wife, his closest adviser to the end. Focus will now turn to the Labour leadership but it is worth remembering what Starmer has achieved. He used the first part of his speech to describe how he transformed the Labour Party, taking it from one of its worst defeats in memory in 2019 to a landslide win in 2024. And in Government, he will be remembered for his abilities on the world stage, as well as transformative protections for renters, workers, a ban on social media for children and many other things. History may look more kindly on him than the country does right now. But as he said, the question asked by the party now is who can lead Labour into the general election. And that is no longer him. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said Andy Burnham "must be bold or he will be bust" if he replaces Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street. Polanski said: "The country needs a bold change of direction. Starmer lost the confidence of the country because of his abject failure to challenge the power and wealth of an establishment which has taken for themselves while leaving the vast majority in a cost of living crisis and facing the worst impacts of the climate and nature crisis. "The vested interests that are holding this country back need to be confronted, with wealth taxes on the super rich, utilities taken into public ownership, rent controls and affordable housing, and an end to support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza. "We are still waiting to see which version of Andy Burnham might going to show up in Downing Street. While he has talked about a change of course, the early indications are not encouraging and suggest more of the same with better communication skills. "The time for half measures and sticking plasters is long gone – if he becomes the next PM, Burnham must be bold or he will be bust."