Burnham sworn in as MP, launches bid to succeed Starmer after resignation

Burnham, who served nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester before returning to Parliament, was greeted with cheers and applause from Labour MPs as he took his oath in the Commons.

Andy Burnham has formally entered Westminster politics, sworn in as Labour MP for Makerfield just hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street. Burnham’s by‑election victory last week gave him the platform to confirm his candidacy to succeed Starmer, immediately positioning himself as the frontrunner in the leadership race.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen, citing family reasons for stepping down. His announcement triggered swift moves within Labour: former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who had earlier quit Starmer’s government, declared his support for Burnham, giving the new MP a potentially decisive advantage among colleagues.

Burnham, who served nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester before returning to Parliament, was greeted with cheers and applause from Labour MPs as he took his oath in the Commons. The chamber also saw traditional heckling from opponents, including Monty Python references, which Burnham acknowledged with a smile.

Labour’s leadership contest is set to open on July 9, with nominations closing before the summer recess on July 16. If Burnham runs unopposed, he could be confirmed as leader by mid‑July. Should other candidates, such as continuity figure Darren Jones, secure enough nominations, the process would extend until Parliament reconvenes on September 1.