Wes Streeting has said he will support Andy Burnham to become the next Labour leader, making it very likely that Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, will replace Keir Starmer as prime minister in July.
In a post on X, Burnham—who will be sworn in as an MP later on Monday after winning last week’s Makerfield by-election—said Starmer’s announcement on Monday that he would step down as prime minister “marks the beginning of a transition, and it’s important that this process is handled in an orderly and responsible way.” He added, “I will put myself forward as part of this process.”
Minutes later, Streeting—the former health secretary who resigned from Starmer’s government last month—posted on X that he had been told Burnham wanted to build “an inclusive party,” and that he would not run for the leadership.
This comes after Starmer gave in to growing pressure from his MPs and ministers and said he was setting out a quick timeline to step down, less than two years after winning a landslide general election victory.
Starmer said he would ask Labour’s ruling national executive committee to set a timeline for a leadership contest, with nominations opening on 9 July. If there is a contest involving a vote by Labour members, it would be completed during the parliamentary summer recess, with Starmer staying in office until then.
But with Streeting deciding not to run, Burnham could face no challenger and take over around the time the Commons begins its recess on 16 July.
It’s possible that another minister could enter the race, and some Labour MPs believe a contest would help challenge Burnham on his ideas and plans. But many others think a coronation will reduce disruption and chaos before the UK gets its seventh prime minister in 10 years.
1:17 UK prime minister Keir Starmer announces resignation – video
In his statement, Burnham thanked Starmer for his “leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.”
He continued: “The country expects stability, seriousness, and a continued focus on the issues that matter most—and that’s 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, the 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. That’s what we’ll do from here, and we’ll make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
Streeting had promised several times to run for the leadership, even though there was some doubt about whether he had the 81 MPs needed—20% of the parliamentary party—to do so.
Also praising Starmer in his statement, Streeting said Burnham’s win in Makerfield was “a victory for unity and hope over division and hatred.”
Saying he left the government “because we were losing the fight to nationalists in every corner of the country,” Streeting said he had spent the following weeks developing plans to change the country.
He went on: “After speaking at length with Andy in recent days, I’m convinced that there is room for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions; and that he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism.
“We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him deliver the change our party and our country needs. That’s the choice I’m making, and I hope everyone else will back Andy too.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs regarding Wes Streeting supporting Andy Burnham for Labour leader and Prime Minister
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q Who is Wes Streeting
A Hes a senior Labour MP and the current Shadow Health Secretary Hes considered a key figure in the partys modernizing wing
Q Who is Andy Burnham
A Hes the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a former Labour MP He was a senior minister in the last Labour government and ran for party leader twice before
Q Why is Wes Streeting supporting Andy Burnham for leader
A Streeting believes Burnham has the broadest appeal to win back voters the party lost especially in the North of England He sees Burnham as a unifying figure who can combine traditional Labour values with a modern pragmatic approach
Q Does this mean Wes Streeting thinks Keir Starmer is doing a bad job
A Not necessarily This is speculation about a future leadership contest Streeting is publicly positioning for a scenario after Starmer rather than criticizing the current leader
Q Is Andy Burnham actually running for Prime Minister right now
A No Keir Starmer is the current Labour leader and if Labour wins the next election would become Prime Minister This is about a potential future leadership race
IntermediateLevel Questions
Q What specific qualities does Wes Streeting see in Andy Burnham
A Streeting has praised Burnhams track record as Mayor his ability to connect with workingclass voters and his experience in government He sees him as a safe pair of hands who can be trusted to run the country
Q How does this compare to other potential Labour leadership contenders
A Streetings support for Burnham is notable because Streeting is often seen as a modernizer while Burnham is seen as more of a soft left figure It suggests Streeting values electability and broad appeal over strict ideological alignment
Q Is this a formal endorsement or just a personal opinion
A Its currently a personal opinion expressed in interviews and media appearances Its a signal of where Streetings loyalty might lie in a future contest but its not an official campaign
