- Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as UK prime minister, while Britain marked 10 years since the Brexit referendum.
- Burnham is the only candidate to have emerged so far and if he does not face a challenger he could become prime minister as early as 17 July.
- The PM's spokesman said the access talks will begin "as soon as possible" and before formal nominations for any Labour leadership contest close on 16 July.
- Sir Keir met Andy Burnham for talks earlier on Tuesday, as he seeks to ensure an "orderly" transition of power after announcing he is standing down as prime minister.
- The hour-long meeting comes as Sir Keir authorised access talks with civil servants for prospective Labour leadership candidates to prepare them for government.
- The talks will focus on the "formation of government and key policy priorities", and would include security briefings.
- Sir Keir has agreed to suspend "major policy" and spending decisions until a new PM is in place.
- Andy Burnham has yet to set out a detailed policy agenda or indicate who would get the top jobs - including chancellor - in a government headed by him.
- Burnham has committed to Labour's manifesto promise not to increase the main rates of income tax, VAT or National Insurance, which would limit his ability to raise significant sums from tax.
Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as UK prime minister marks a significant moment as Britain commemorates a decade since the Brexit referendum. Starmer's leadership faced challenges from migration and cost-of-living crises, which allowed Nigel Farage's Reform UK to attract Labour's traditional support.1457
In a meeting with Andy Burnham, Starmer discussed an "orderly" transition of power, with access talks for prospective Labour leadership candidates set to begin before formal nominations close on July 16. Burnham is currently the only candidate and could assume leadership as early as July 17 if unchallenged.289
Starmer's tenure was marked by a series of crises, including migration and the cost-of-living crisis, which have left Britain in a state of political paralysis. The country is grappling with high prices, strained public services, and a hyper-sensitive electorate that is intolerant of political failure. As the UK reflects on the promises of a "Global Britain," it finds itself in a low-growth cycle, burdened by trade friction and economic challenges.
Starmer has agreed to suspend major policy decisions until a new prime minister is in place, while Burnham has yet to outline his policy agenda or key appointments in a potential government.
“Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as UK prime minister, marking a significant political shift as the UK reflects on 10 years since the Brexit referendum. Andy Burnham is positioned to take over, with preparations underway for a leadership transition.”
Euronews.com
BBC