Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham, paving way for coronation

Wes Streeting has backed Andy Burnham to become the next prime minister and Labour leader.

The former health secretary, who resigned last month saying he had lost confidence in Keir Starmer, had been mulling a bid for the top job himself.

But in a statement shortly after Starmer confirmed his intention to resign, Streeting said he was “convinced” Burnham was the right man for the job.

The former Manchester mayor is set to be sworn in as an MP this afternoon, having won the Makerfield byelection last week.

That contest was expected to be a close race between him and Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon, but in the end Labour held the seat with a majority of over 9,000. Much of this had been ascribed to a personal vote for Burnham.

Streeting said the result had “proven that Labour can still win if we have the courage to change”.

He added: “I've also been setting out ideas to change our country: a plan for Britain to grow again and grow together, with a progressive capitalism focused on wealth creation as much as wealth distribution; to lead the world in the fourth industrial revolution and protect people from its risks; to modernise our public services; to give Britain energy security; to build stronger alliances with democracies around the world and a new special relationship with Europe; and to change the culture of our party so that it is more inclusive and open to ideas.

“Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I’m convinced that there is a place 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 to deliver the change our party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy, too.”

His decision not to stand in the leadership election removes one of the barriers to Burnham being installed as prime minister as early as next month.

Starmer, who will stay on until his successor is chosen, said he will propose that the nomination period for the contest opens on 9 July and closes before recess. The House of Commons rises for the summer on 16 July.

The decision on the final timetable is for the party’s National Executive Committee to make.

To run in the leadership election, candidates must have the support of 20 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party (80 MPs), as well as five per cent of constituency groups or party affiliates.

In his resignation speech on Monday morning, Starmer said he wanted to ensure an “orderly handover”. He added: “I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago.”