Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Starmer Resigns; Labour Leadership Vote Opens July 9

6/22/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Center

Starmer Resigns

Nominations for Labour’s next leader will open on July 9, close on July 16, with a new leader expected by September 1.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 22 he will resign as Labour leader and remain caretaker prime minister.
Andy Burnham captured Makerfield with 54.8% of vote and will be sworn in as MP.
About one quarter of Labour MPs have called for Starmer’s resignation after local election results.

Left

Burnham Wins

Burnham called his Makerfield win a turning point to expand Manchester’s publicly owned transport and regional decision-making nationwide.
The Makerfield by-election was won by Andy Burnham with 55% of the vote, beating Reform UK by over 9,000 votes.
Health secretary Wes Streeting will back Burnham and will not run in Labour leadership race.
Polls show Burnham is Labour’s popular figure and could replace Starmer without a bruising contest.

1 of 2

Starmer Resigns

Nominations for Labour’s next leader will open on July 9, close on July 16, with a new leader expected by September 1.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on June 22 he will resign as Labour leader and remain caretaker prime minister.
Andy Burnham captured Makerfield with 54.8% of vote and will be sworn in as MP.
About one quarter of Labour MPs have called for Starmer’s resignation after local election results.

1 / 2