The newly elected MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham.Image: keystone
June 22, 2026, 5:21 p.mJune 22, 2026, 5:21 p.m
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s potential successor, Andy Burnham, has been sworn in as a member of the House of Commons.
Visibly impressed by the significance of the moment, Burnham walked to the lectern in the packed House of Commons, where he took the oath and swore his loyalty to the royal family. Shouts of approval came from the benches of his Labor group. Members of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet were hardly visible.
Shortly after Starmer’s resignation that morning, Burnham declared that he wanted to inherit the outgoing Prime Minister. The 56-year-old said he would run for the leadership of the Labor Party.
Burnham has long been considered a hot candidate to succeed the hapless Starmer. However, this was not possible for him in his previous position as mayor of the Manchester metropolitan region. Last week he made it into parliament in a by-election in the Makerfield district near Manchester.
Chances are good for Burnham
Meanwhile, former health minister Wes Streeting withdrew from the Labor leadership race. He pledged his support to Burnham. All signs now point to a rapid transition to Burnham as the new party leader and Prime Minister.
In a statement this morning, Burnham praised the “tremendous service” that Starmer had done for the country. The priority now must be to move the country forward, said the popular politician. (sda/dpa)