Not Yet UK PM, Analyst: Burnham is a Chameleon, His Popularity Will Plummet
The United Kingdom stands on the brink of a leadership change after Prime Minister Keir Starram announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party. If the process proceeds as planned, Andy Burnham will become the seventh British Prime Minister in less than a decade.
Starmer’s resignation follows months of increasing political pressure within the Labour Party. His popularity plummeted following poor party results in local and regional elections, alongside various controversies overshadowing his administration.
Burnham, the former Mayor of Manchester who is widely recognised among Labour voters, has emerged as a figure capable of consolidating support amidst Starmer’s weakening position.
This momentum strengthened after Burnham won the Makerfield by-election last week with a margin of approximately 20 per cent. This significant victory is viewed by many as a strong signal that the political direction of the Labour Party is shifting.
On Monday, Starmer delivered his resignation speech in front of the Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street.
In his speech, Starmer touched upon several achievements he believes were accomplished during his leadership. “We have reformed the Labour Party, strengthened the economy, reduced illegal boat crossings, supported Ukraine, reduced NHS waiting lists, and restored Britain’s reputation on the international stage,” said Starmer.
Nevertheless, pressure from within the party continues to grow. According to an analysis by Graham Hryce in his piece for Russia Today on Tuesday (23/06/2026), several senior Labour figures have begun to question whether Starmer remains the right figure to lead the party facing the next election.
Starmer stated that he accepts the party’s decision. “I accept it with grace,” he said.
He added that after leaving the party leadership, he hopes to be the “best husband” and “best father” to his family.
As scheduled, Starmer will remain in office as Prime Minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader on 9 July.
Shortly after the announcement of the resignation, Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that he would not run in the leadership contest and instead endorsed Burnham. This support further strengthens Burnham’s chances of taking over the leadership without significant competition.
However, Burnham’s path to Downing Street is not entirely smooth. Hryce, also an analyst, assesses that the new Labour leader will face deep internal divisions regarding various strategic issues, ranging from net-zero carbon targets, immigration policy, and transgender rights to defence budgets and welfare spending.