Andy Burnham eyed as Britain’s next Prime Minister

Andy Burnham, Britain’s newest lawmaker and likely its next prime minister, was meeting Labour colleagues on Tuesday in preparation for a leadership contest in which he may be the only contender.

Burnham is the strong front-runner to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced on Monday that he will step down within weeks after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with the party and public.

Burnham, a former Cabinet minister who served since 2017 as mayor of Greater Manchester, won a special election last week for a seat in Parliament with the express aim of challenging Starmer for the leadership.

Burnham’s chances got a big boost on Monday when former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was considered his main rival, announced his support.

Britain’s parliamentary system allows governing parties to change leaders — and thus prime ministers — without the need for a national election. The next general election does not have to be held until 2029.

Nominations for the Labour leadership will open on July 9 and close a week later. If Burnham is the only contender, he could be the prime minister by July 17. If there is a contest, the winner should be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on Sept 1.

Burnham’s economic plans are not yet known

Burnham was a popular mayor of Manchester, overseeing a period of rapid regeneration for the city where the Industrial Revolution was forged, and has pledged to repeat his signature brand of “Manchesterism” on a national scale. Many Labour members hope Burnham’s people skills and charisma can connect with the public more than the stolid, managerial Starmer could ever do. But his policies in many areas are unknown and untested. Some Labour lawmakers want to see a party election contest where he would face public debate and scrutiny.

Burnham is expected to make a speech next week outlining some of his economic plans.

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who quit this month to protest what he saw as inadequate defence spending, said, “We need to have a clear and concise discussion about what this country wants to be.”  He has suggested he might run for the leadership but told broadcaster ITV that “I’m not ready to make a decision on this in any way, shape or form.” Others have suggested Darren Jones, a senior Cabinet minister and Starmer ally, should run, though he has yet to comment.

Potential candidates need the support of at least 81 Labour lawmakers, a fifth of the parliamentary party, to run.  Many argue that a leadership contest will only focus attention on the party’s internal divisions and extend a period of political uncertainty.

“I think the transition should be swift and orderly,” Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told the BBC.