Two senior Labour MPs are reportedly mulling launching leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham from walking straight into No 10.
Former defence minister Al Carns has said he is considering running, while the BBC reports that Sir Keir Starmer’s chief secretary Darren Jones has not ruled out the possibility.
A number of MPs are uncomfortable with the thought that Mr Burnham will secure the top job in Westminster, without his policies facing any scrutiny.
If no Labour MP runs against him, it is likely he will be prime minister by 17 July.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer laid out his resignation plan in an address outside Number 10 on Monday, setting 9 July as the start date for the process to find his successor.
Mr Burnham returns to parliament following his victory in Thursday’s by-election in Makerfield, having secured a decisive majority over Reform.
Announcing his resignation, Sir Keir said: “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.”
Key Points
- Labour MPs consider leadership challenge to stop Burnham coronation
- Trump repeats claims Starmer 'is no Churchill'
- What have other party leaders said about Starmer's resignation?
- A timeline of Monday's events as Starmer steps down and Burnham is sworn in
Who could Burnham pick for his chancellor and cabinet?
10:25 , Holly Evans
With the prospect of Andy Burnham becoming prime minister now looking inevitable, all eyes are on what his top team could look like.
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who was sworn in as an MP on Monday, will face demands from both inside and outside the Labour Party to generate real change if he makes it into Number 10.
This doesn’t just mean changes to policy, but also changes to the cabinet – with Mr Burnham likely to choose a team that reflects a broader range of views from within the party than the narrow one represented by Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet.
Mr Burnham would, of course, have close allies who he will want to reward with top jobs. But if he gets to the point of naming his cabinet, it will be one role more than any other that will shape his government – his pick as chancellor.
Here, The Independent looks at who might be in the running for a cabinet put together by Mr Burnham.
Who could Burnham pick for his chancellor and cabinet?
Andy Burnham is the 'recipe the country needs', Scotland secretary says
10:03 , Holly Evans
Scotland’s secretary of state has said that Andy Burnham’s experience is “the recipe the country needs” as the former Manchester mayor reveals a leadership bid for prime minister.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast on Tuesday, Douglas Alexander said that Mr Burnham’s success was not only that “he’s shown himself to be a winner”.
He said: “I don’t think it’s simply that he’s shown himself to be a winner, particularly in Makerfield, against Reform and the very dark and dangerous future that I think Reform will (be) for the country, but also in Manchester he’s demonstrated that economic efficiency and social justice aren’t enemies but can be allies.
“Whether it’s the work that he’s done in terms of tackling homelessness, whether it’s cutting bus fares in relation to addressing the cost of living, or whether it’s just the dynamism of the Manchester economy.
“There’s one figure that comes to mind, I mean, Glasgow is the city of my birth. It takes about 58 weeks to get a planning application through in Glasgow. It takes just 18 weeks in Manchester.
“We need that kind of supply side reform to get our economy strengthened and moving forward in the years ahead.
“So I think Andy is not just one of our most experienced political leaders, he was in the cabinet previously in Westminster, but I think has learned a huge amount away from Westminster and Manchester, but I think that combination of economic generalism and social justice is the recipe that the country needs.”
Starmer’s resignation was ‘very sad’, Badenoch says
09:50 , Athena Stavrou
Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation speech this week was “very sad”.
The leader of the opposition said “the whole Labour Party” played a role in the outgoing prime minister’s downfall, claiming they “held him hostage” and “wouldn't let him make some of the tough decisions that he did need to make”.
Asked if she felt for Sir Keir yesterday, she told BBC Breakfast: “Of course I did.
“Being prime minister is an extremely difficult job. You and your family are put into the public spotlight, and just to see it end the way it did was, it was very sad. My heart goes out to him and his family on that basis.”
In pictures: Senior Labour MPs arrive for cabinet meeting
09:44 , Holly Evans
Failure to implement Brexit responsible for churn of prime ministers, Nigel Farage says
09:34 , Athena Stavrou
Nigel Farage has blamed the number of ousted prime ministers in the last decade on the failure to implement the 2016 Brexit vote.
The Reform UK leader, who played a key role in the ‘Leave’ campaign, said on Tuesday he “does not regret” the referendum result at all.
Speaking on the ten year anniversary of the vote, and the day after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Mr Farage claimed the referendum “was not accepted by the establishment”.
“That is why you've seen the two-party system as it's historically been known, frankly, under massive attack,” he told the BBC.
“That is why we've had seven prime ministers in the course of the last 10 years.
“They haven't accepted the public vote with goodwill, and they haven't implemented it.”
In pictures: Triumphant Burnham's seflies with Labour MPs
09:18 , Athena Stavrou
Farage admits Makerfield candidate's social media posts 'wasn't pretty, wasn't good, and didn't help’
09:07 , Athena Stavrou
Nigel Farage has admitted his Makerfield candidate’s resurfaced sexist social media posts “didn’t help” the party’s chances in the by-election.
Local plumber Rob Kenyon lost to Andy Burnham by almost 10,000 votes in the contest last week.
During the course of his campaign, online comments in which he claimed women couldn’t “ref, drive or give directions” and declared he was sexist resurfaced.
The Reform UK leader has now admitted the backlash “wasn’t good” and said he did not withdraw him as a candidate partly because it was “too late”.
“We couldn't find these social media posts,” Mr Farage told the BBC. “He's a plumber, a rugby player, ex army, one of the lads, likes a beer, and it was male banter.
“It wasn't pretty, it wasn't good, it didn't help. I will admit that it didn't help.”
Asked why he didn’t withdraw him or get him to apologise for the comments, he said: “Because A) it was too late to withdraw him, B) he was actually a very good, hardworking candidate, a proper local guy.
“And when it comes to the apology, I said, look, Rob, you must decide yourself what you'd like, I can’t force people to apologise.”
Northern leaders say region has been left behind as they condemn Brexiteers over broken promises
08:53 , Holly Evans
In other news, northern leaders have accused Brexit leaders of breaking promises after new figures revealed London is receiving more money than any other UK region.
A key part of the campaign to leave the EU was to spread wealth across the UK with Boris Johnson, who signed the withdrawal agreement six years ago, promising increased investment, better transport and raised living standards as part of the Tories’ post-Brexit policy.
But despite billions of pounds shared out in “Levelling Up” grants, HM Treasury data analysed by The Independent shows that those in the capital benefited from 26 per cent more expenditure than the average person living in the UK in 2024/25.
Read the full article from our reporter Alex Ross here:
Northern leaders say region has been left behind in attack on broken Brexit promises
Farage says public have 'almost no idea' of Burnham's policies
08:45 , Holly Evans
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister next month “he’ll do so with no mandate whatsoever” and the public “deserve a vote”.
Mr Farage said Sir Keir Starmer “left yesterday with no dignity at all”, adding “I found he became petulant, aggressive, rude, insulting”.
Discussing Mr Burnham, the Reform UK leader told GB News: “Politicians have to take positions.
“We, at the moment, have almost no idea where this man stands on anything, he’s flipped and flopped in the last month more than Keir Starmer has in the last two years.”
Mr Farage added: “I’m hoping that Al Carns, or someone like that stands against him, so that over the course of a summer we can actually see what he stands for. At the moment, we haven’t got a clue.
“If he does become prime minister on July 17th, he’ll do so with no mandate whatsoever.
“I think the public are sick to death of the game of musical chairs that’s going on in Downing Street and deserve a vote.”
The Reform UK leader added that his party “can be ready very, very quickly” for a general election.
Cabinet meeting to begin shortly
08:34 , Holly Evans
A cabinet meeting is set to begin at 9am, the first time all senior Labour MPs will be gathered since Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
The outgoing prime minister will chair the meeting and will continue to do so until a new leader has been chosen.
Among the first to arrive in his chief secretary Darren Jones, who has reportedly not ruled out his own leadership bid.
Watch: Nick Thomas-Symonds says other Labour MPs are considering leadership bid
08:18 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham to set out policies in major speech next week
08:05 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham is set to make a major speech next week to set out key aspects of his economic policy, including confirmation he will stick to the current Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ rules for managing the public finances.
Mr Burnham will begin to set out his policy platform, pledging economic growth and a commitment to Labour’s existing fiscal rules in a speech next week.
Talks are also said to be taking place about who will sit in his Cabinet, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood both tipped as potential candidates to replace Ms Reeves as chancellor.
But Mr Burnham’s allies said no jobs had been given and no deals had been made as of Monday evening.
Ms Reeves’ successor would be bound by the rules she set, which aim to restrict borrowing and pay for day-to-day spending out of tax revenues by the end of the decade.
Mr Burnham knows he has to reassure the City of London about his economic plans, having previously caused alarm by saying “we’ve got to get beyond this thing of being in hock to the bond markets”.
Cabinet minister backs Burnham and calls for a 'swift transition'
07:54 , Holly Evans
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds backed Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership and suggested a contest to replace Sir Keir Starmer would not be in the national interest.
He told Sky News: “I am backing Andy Burnham to succeed Keir. I think, first of all, we have a job of delivery to do in the second half of the Parliament. I think he has shown, Andy, comprehensively as the mayor of Greater Manchester, that he can carry out that job of delivery.
“But secondly, there is the question about leading us into the next general election and defeating Reform and I think Andy Burnham has just shown comprehensively in Makerfield that he can do that, we’ve seen him do it in an election.
“So I’m backing Andy Burnham and, yes, looking for a swift transition.”
Asked if that meant he wanted to avoid a contest, he said: “I just think we have to weigh up what is in the best interests of the country. I am of the view that it needs to be a swift transition, but of course I understand colleagues have difficult decisions to make.”
Ed Davet says he doesn't support calls for a general election
07:37 , Holly Evans
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has said that he doesn't support calls for a general election, as he calls for greater stability.
"I think actually people want to give the new prime minister a chance," he said.
"People will be impatient for change."
Mr Davey added that who ever becomes the new prime minister "has got a very short window where people will give him a chance".
The Lib Dem leader explains: "If he fails, and he for example doesn't follow what we've been saying on Europe or social care or defence, I think people will then demand a general election."
Labour MPs consider leadership challenge to stop Burnham coronation
07:20 , Holly Evans
At least two senior Labour MPs are considering putting their names forward in a leadership contest, to prevent a straight coronation of Andy Burnham, the BBC has reported.
Former defence minister Al Carns is still debating whether to run, while Sir Keir Starmer’s chief secretary Darren Jones is also yet to decide whether to put his name in hat.
A number of ministers are increasingly uncomfortable with the prospect of the former Greater Manchester mayor becoming prime minister when his policies are yet to be tested by his party.
It is looking likely that Mr Burnham could in No10 as early as 17 July, the day after nominations for the top job close.
Nominations for prime minister open on 9 July and send by the summer recess of 16 July, with candidates needing to gain the support of at least 81 MPs each.
Starmer announces resignation as Burnham awaits ‘coronation’ to become prime minister
07:00 , Bryony Gooch
Emotional Starmer quits as Burnham arrives in Commons to become PM
Recap: Burnham warns against 'jumping several hurdles ahead' with calls for a general election
06:00 , Bryony Gooch
Andy Burnham said it would be “jumping several hurdles ahead” to call a general election should he become the next prime minister following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
As he arrived in London on Monday afternoon, Mr Burnham was asked about comments he made when Rishi Sunak became prime minister, when he called for a general election.
Asked if he would now call an election, the new Labour MP for Makerfield said: “You’re jumping several hurdles ahead there.”
The former mayor of Greater Manchester added that his “priority” for the day was to officially swear in as an MP, adding: “It’s been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester. The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I’ve loved every minute of the role. I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.”
Why Starmer’s speech struck a chord with an ex-No 10 adviser
05:00 , Bryony Gooch
Why Starmer’s resignation speech struck a chord with an ex-No 10 adviser
Recap in pictures: The moment Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation
04:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Starmer resigns as prime minister - what next for the UK?
03:00 , Bryony Gooch
What would Andy Burnham as prime minister mean for Britain?
02:03 , Bryony Gooch
What would Andy Burnham’s policies be if he becomes prime minister?
Poll: Brits think Starmer was right to resign
01:00 , Bryony Gooch
Most Britons say it was right for Keir Starmer to resign (62 per cent), while only 19 per cent think he was wrong to do so, according to a YouGov snap poll.
Even among 2024 Labour voters – who voted to put Keir Starmer in Downing Street two years ago – the tendency is likewise to think it is right for him to stand aside (52 per cent) than to remain (28 per cent).
Watch: Trump and other world leaders react after Starmer announces resignation
Tuesday 23 June 2026 00:32 , Bryony Gooch
Forget Keir’s teary goodbye – it’s Victoria Starmer I feel sorry for
Tuesday 23 June 2026 00:01 , Bryony Gooch
Forget Keir’s teary goodbye – it’s Victoria Starmer I feel sorry for now
In pictures: Tomorrow's papers splashed with Burnham's plans for power as Starmer resigns
Monday 22 June 2026 23:30 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Burnham has the right 'vision, ideas and priorities', says Streeting
Monday 22 June 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump repeats claims Starmer 'is no Churchill'
Monday 22 June 2026 21:35 , Bryony Gooch
Donald Trump has repeated claims that Sir Keir Starmer was no Winston Churchill as he criticised the British prime minister.
“This was not Winston Churchill,” he said in reference to Sir Keir Starmer’s reticence to support the US conflict in Iran.
“Starmer wasn't there, and you know what? The people of the UK did not like it that he wasn't there. Starmer said no. Starmer said worse than no. He said we'll be there as soon as you win.”
Starmer's wife thanks Downing Street staff at drinks
Monday 22 June 2026 21:30 , Bryony Gooch
Lady Starmer thanked Downing Street staff at drinks in the No 10 garden on Monday evening, telling them she was “personally really grateful” for their support.
Sir Keir Starmer’s wife Victoria said: “I just wanted to say thank you from me.
“I obviously love Keir and support him as much as I can, but there’s only so much I could do, and it’s you guys who gave that support day in, day out, and I am personally really grateful for that. So, thank you all.”
Trump criticises Starmer's record on energy as he exits role as prime minister
Monday 22 June 2026 21:28 , Bryony Gooch
US president Donald Trump has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s record over energy as he steps down as Labour party leader and highlights timeline to exit role as prime minister.
“I think he's a lovely man, but I said ‘you're really messing up energy. You have windmills all over the place. In the meantime, you have the North Sea oil, and they won't let anybody drill to one of the great fields in the world,’” he said.
He went so far as to call Sir Keir “sort of a friend of mine,” but caveated “he was not good to us with NATO.”
“I wish him well, but he's got two problems: energy and immigration and crime, but energy and immigration, you know he's really hurt himself very badly.”
The hospital scandal that could come back to haunt Andy Burnham
Monday 22 June 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
The hospital scandal that could come back to haunt Andy Burnham
Harriet Harman suggests Ed Miliband could be chancellor, if Burnham enters No10
Monday 22 June 2026 20:44 , Rebecca Whittaker
Member of the House of Lords, Harriet Harman, suggested Ed Miliband could become the next chancellor if Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Speaking to Sky News’ Cathy Newman she said: "Well, I don't think it couldn't be Ed Miliband actually.”
"I'm going to support whoever happens to be the chancellor.
"And it shouldn't, you know, we should not be ruling out Ed Miliband.
"I think he's a great talent, he's very economically literate, he's very intelligent and very committed and very experienced.”
Watch: How many prime ministers has Larry the cat seen?
Monday 22 June 2026 20:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
