Andy Burnham has made his first public comments since Keir Starmer confirmed he would be resigning as prime minister.
In an address to the nation on Monday morning from Downing Street, Starmer gave an emotional speech in which he confirmed he would be stepping down as Labour leader.
Starmer said he his party had was asking “whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.”
He said he had heard the answer of his party and “accepts it with good grace,” before confirming he was resigning as the leader of the Labour party.
A new leader will be in place before parliament returns in September, he said.
Starmer added his successor would get his full support.
The PM’s announcement comes after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to parliament and paving the way for him to challenge Starmer for the leadership.
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Over the weekend, reports emerged that Starmer was being urged by some of his most senior ministers to not stand in a leadership contest and instead step aside to allow an orderly transition of power to Burnham.
This is exactly what Starmer has done, and Burnham appears to be the prime minister-elect.
Now, the former Greater Manchester mayor has made his first public comments following Starmer’s resignation announcement.
In a post on social media, the Makerfield MP thanked Starmer for the ‘huge service, leadership and dedication’ he has given to the UK.
Burnham continued: “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.”
In his speech, Starmer confirmed the timetable for the transition of power would be set out by the Labour national executive committee, with nominations opening for the leadership on 9 July, and completed by the summer recess.
However, it seems very likely that Burnham will be unopposed for the leadership, after one of his main potential rivals Wes Streeting gave his backing to him on Monday morning.
in a letter, Streeting said he had “spoken at length” with Burnham since the Makerfield by-election and that he is “convinced” his ideas have a place under Burnham’s leadership.
“We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our Party and our country needs,” Streeting wrote.
“That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone will back Andy, too.”
Streeting’s withdrawal from any leadership contest means Burnham could be prime minister as early as mid-July.
If no nominations emerge for a leadership contest by the deadline of July 16, Burnham will be coronated as prime minister by July 18.