Burnham favourite to replace Starmer/Labour leadership race takes shape

2026-06-23 07:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Some Labour MPs are calling on Angela Jones, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, to run for the party leadership. Although a bid for her is considered unlikely, sources say she has not ruled out the possibility.

Luke Carns, who served as the Armed Forces Minister until his resignation earlier this month over disagreements over defense spending, also hinted that he might enter the race. He said he had not yet made a final decision, but stressed the need for politics to focus more on long-term strategy than momentary tactics.

Sir Keir Starmer announced that he has asked the Labour Party's governing body to set a timetable for choosing his successor. Nominations will open on July 9 and close on July 16, before Parliament's summer recess. Candidates must secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs to officially enter the race.

Andy Burnham is considered the frontrunner to lead the party after his convincing victory over the Reform UK candidate in the Makerfield by-election last week. The former mayor of Greater Manchester, who was formally sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons on Monday, confirmed he will stand for the leadership.

Wes Streeting, previously considered Burnham's main rival, quickly threw his support behind him, increasing the likelihood that the race would end in an almost certain victory for Burnham.

However, not everyone in the party agrees with a quick process. Labour MP John Slinger said a full leadership contest was necessary, arguing that the public expects candidates for the country's highest office to undergo a fair and transparent scrutiny.

On the other hand, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described Starmer as a "terrible prime minister" and attacked Labour's policies, accusing them of favoring tax increases to fund more social benefits.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Britons were tired of the constant change of prime ministers without bringing real change, while Nigel Farage of Reform UK called for an immediate general election.

Meanwhile, Burnham is expected to give a speech next week in which he will more clearly present his economic program. He is expected to promise economic growth while respecting the government's fiscal rules, which aim to limit borrowing and finance everyday spending through tax revenues until the end of the decade.

Sir Keir Starmer was elected leader of the Labour Party in April 2020 and became prime minister on 5 July 2024 after Labour's landslide victory in the general election. His resignation means the UK will soon have its seventh prime minister since 2016. On Monday evening, Starmer and his wife Victoria hosted a reception for Downing Street staff in the garden of Number 10, where they thanked those present for their support during their time in government. /CNA