Official residence and office of the UK Prime Minister
Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run to replace Keir Starmer after winning the Makerfield by‑election and returning to Parliament. Starmer has announced he will resign and will stay in post until a successor is chosen; Labour has set nominations to open in early July and a leadership contest could run into September.
Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as Labour leader and open nominations on 9 July after growing pressure following Andy Burnham's Makerfield by-election victory. Burnham is emerging as the clear front-runner, with senior figures including Wes Streeting withdrawing and backing him, setting up a likely uncontested transfer of power.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party and as prime minister, and he has asked the party’s NEC to set a timetable. Nominations for a successor will open on July 9 and close on July 16; Starmer will remain in post until the party elects a new leader, likely before Parliament returns in September 2026.
The UK, France and Germany are coordinating on security guarantees for Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets with partners after Russia’s war setbacks. A drone strike near the Chernobyl site underscores ongoing tension, while Kyiv pledges to respond and strengthen European air defence.