Andy Burnham Poised for Prime Ministership as Chancellor Hunt Heats Up

A June 2026 YouGov poll shows 43 % of Britons prefer Andy Burnham to Nigel Farage (23 %). He also leads against Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch (32 % vs 28 %), Green leader Zack Polanski (38 % vs 11 %) and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey (32 % vs 11 %). In the Makerfield by-election he outperformed Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by 20 points. Labour MPs say he would outshine Keir Starmer.

YouGov Polling US

Keir Starmer resigned on Monday, clearing the way for Wes Streeting, who has backed Burnham as Labour’s next leader. Burnham appointed former cabinet minister James Purnell as chief of staff, drawing criticism from left-wing members for Purnell’s Blairite past. He will deliver a policy address on devolution and the economy in Manchester on Monday.

The Guardian

Unison, with 1.3 million members, has endorsed former Labour leader Ed Miliband for chancellor, pitting him against rival Wes Streeting. Other possible candidates are Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper, Pat McFadden, John Healey and Jonathan Reynolds. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she will not pre-empt the new prime minister’s decision on her future.

The Guardian

GMB and Unite officials warn of an “ongoing discussion to try to stop Ed Miliband.” Business groups claim Miliband’s net-zero record could label him anti-business, citing his “producers” versus “predators” firm classification. Purnell’s Blairite background has drawn ire from Labour members who see it as a break from progressive policy.

The Guardian

Union support beyond Unison remains unconfirmed, and Rachel Reeves’s future role is unclear.

The Guardian

Burnham’s Manchester speech on devolution and the economy is set for Monday, after which his cabinet, including the chancellor, should be announced. Labour’s NEC will name the new leader on 17 July if uncontested; otherwise a leadership election will close on 29 August. The chancellor will shape the autumn budget, tax policy and the planned de-privatisation of utilities.

The Guardian

• “Egan said: “Andy Burnham has a historic opportunity to rebuild our country in the interests of workers and communities, but that chance will be squandered if his government is made up of politicians determined to continue the same failed approach.” — Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison

The Guardian

• “We need a chancellor who will rewire the economy and properly invest to improve the lives of the majority. Of those reported to be in the running, only Ed Miliband could enact the kinds of policies trade unions and our members urgently need.” — Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison

The Guardian

• “Asked by the BBC on Wednesday about her chances of staying in the cabinet, Reeves said: “I’m not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make.” — Rachel Reeves, Chancellor (as quoted to the BBC)

The Guardian

• “There are ongoing discussions to try to stop Ed Miliband. There is a GMB-Unite axis on this.” — Senior union official, quoted to the Financial Times

The Guardian