Andy Burnham vs Wes Streeting — who will be the next UK PM and how will he be chosen when Keir Starmer steps down? Explained | Today’s news
Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labor Party on Monday. In an emotional speech, Starmer said he was leaving “the greatest job”. He also set a timetable for his departure, saying a new prime minister could take over by September.
How will the new British Prime Minister be decided? Who are the main contenders and what’s next for Starmer? Here’s everything we know:
How will the new British Prime Minister be decided?
With Starmer stepping down, the next step involves the process of electing a new Labor leader, who will also become Britain’s 7th prime minister in just 10 years.
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The process involves choosing a new Labor leader, with nominations opening on July 9 and a potential new prime minister in place by September. If no other candidates come forward, Andy Burnham could take over the role by mid-July.
The main contenders include Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to replace Starmer, and former health secretary Wes Streeting, who has hinted he could enter the fray for the leadership.
If there is no dispute, Andy Burnham could become Prime Minister on or around July 17. If there is a contest, a new leader should be appointed by the end of August.
Starmer’s resignation came amid intense pressure due to falling ratings and heavy losses in local elections, as well as the rise of political rival Andy Burnham.
Labor will undergo a leadership contest aimed at an orderly transition to a new leader, which is crucial to maintaining party unity and a functioning government.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said he would ask the Labor party’s organizing committee to set a timetable for a leadership contest to find his replacement.
Nominations would open on July 9, the deadline is expected to be mid-July, and if there is a contest, a new leader will be in place by September.
Starmer is widely expected to be replaced by Andy Burnham. But if other candidates decide to enter any leadership race, the party could end up in a divisive dispute that could paralyze the government.
Starmer clarified that “in the event of a contest, this will ensure that a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September,” he added.
The Commons summer recess is due to start on July 16, so if Andy Burnham is unopposed, he will become Prime Minister in mid-July.
But if another leader throws his hat in the race, there will be a contest and the new PM will be in office until the end of August. The House of Commons returns after the summer break on September 1.
“I will ask the Labor National Executive Committee to set a timetable, with nominations starting on July 9 and completed by the summer holidays,” Starmer said.
“In the event of a contest, this will ensure that a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September,” he added.
When will Great Britain get a new prime minister?
The Guardian reported that if there are no challengers, Andy Burnham can be expected to become Prime Minister around 17 July.
Two members of the national executive confirmed to the Guardian that Burnham could be prime minister until the following day – July 17 – although it could be the following Monday when parliament is in recess.
All bets are off if there is a contest – but Starmer said he expects it to be over by September.
Who are the top contenders in the UK PM race?
Starmer said he would remain interim prime minister until the party chooses a new Labor leader.
“I will remain as Prime Minister until the contest is complete. And I will do everything in my power to ensure an orderly handover,” Starmer said in his speech on Monday.
Andy Burnham vs Who? Key candidates in the British Prime Ministerial race
Andy Burnham, who won a snap general election last week, is widely expected to become Britain’s next prime minister.
But former health secretary Wes Streeting still expects to survive the contest, Sky News reported on Monday, citing one of his allies.
Andy Burnham confirmed on Monday that he will be running to replace Keir Starmer. In a post on X, he said he would provide Britain with “stability, seriousness and continued focus on the issues that matter most”. He said he wants the transition to be a “positive recovery process.”
“His (Keira Starmer’s) decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible manner. I will stand up as part of this process,” Burnham wrote on X.
What’s next for Starmer?
In his speech, Starmer said after leaving “the biggest job in the country, I will spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can be to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been my rock through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can be to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy”.
