UK PM Starmer Holds First Meeting with Andy Burnham Amid Leadership Transition

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held his first meeting with Andy Burnham on Tuesday amid a leadership transition following his decision to resign earlier this week. The meeting took place after Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield parliamentary by-election last week, and after Downing Street confirmed that Burnham had been granted access to civil service briefings. According to a report by The Times, the access was provided because Burnham intends to stand in the Labour Party leadership election. When announcing his resignation on Monday, Starmer stated he would remain in office until his successor is chosen. Starmer’s resignation has triggered a leadership contest within the Labour Party that will determine the next British prime minister. A Downing Street spokesperson said that during the Labour leadership election, the UK government will operate as a caretaker administration. ‘No major policies or new spending commitments will be approved until a new prime minister is appointed,’ the spokesperson said. However, some ministers are reportedly set to release defence spending plans in the coming days.