Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed his candidacy to succeed Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In a post on the “X” platform, Burnham thanked Starmer for his services and leadership.
Burnham said that Starmer's decision to step down "marks the beginning of a transition, and it is important that this process is carried out in an orderly and responsible manner. I will be running to be part of this process."
He added: “The state expects stability, seriousness, and a continued focus on the most pressing issues, and that is what it will get.”
He added: “Citizens want to see progress in economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should not distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.”
Earlier today, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after less than two years in office, in a term marked by political setbacks and very low popularity.
Starmer appeared emotional and tearful as he read his resignation statement outside the Prime Minister's residence at Downing Street, saying, "Every decision I have made has been aimed at putting the country I love first. That is why I am resigning as leader of the Labour Party."
He added that the process of choosing a new Labour leader would begin in July, and that he would remain prime minister until his successor was chosen, with the latter taking office in September.
His main rival, veteran politician Andy Burnham, is due to be sworn in as a member of parliament on Monday after winning a crucial by-election on Thursday, allowing him to return to parliament and paving the way for him to run for party leadership.
Starmer said: “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that he will inherit a much stronger and fairer Britain than the one I inherited two years ago.”
Until the end of the week, Starmer was insisting that he would continue the fight and remain Prime Minister in the face of challenges and calls to step down.
He held onto this position for months after several scandals and high-profile resignations increased the pressure on him and the Labour Party.
But Britain is now heading towards naming its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Starmer's announcement, which was widely expected, comes on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, which led to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union and an unprecedented change in heads of government.
Starmer is credited with reshaping the Labour Party into an election-winning force, after achieving a decisive victory in 2024 that ended 14 years of Conservative rule.
But his term was marred by missteps ranging from cuts to social assistance to criticism of his defense spending plans.
Starmer was nearly ousted in March over his ill-advised decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, known for his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the UK's ambassador to Washington.
He also struggled to counter the rapid rise of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform Party, which defeated Labour in local elections in May, further weakening Starmer's position.
For his part, Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, called for early elections in Britain following Starmer's resignation.
Farage said: “Reform demands elections, and we are ready to deliver radical change,” as his party has topped opinion polls in recent months and achieved a major victory over Labour in the local elections held in May.
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