UK Labour leader Keir Starmer resigns; socialist Andy Burnham favored successor

Keir Starmer has stepped down as leader of the UK's Labour Party and Prime Minister, a move that occurred just before the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum. Starmer's departure comes after leading Labour to a significant electoral victory in July 2024, but party colleagues reportedly doubted his ability to counter the rising Reform UK party.

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He is a politician for domestic affairs.

The search for a new leader and Prime Minister is underway, with a decision expected by early September, possibly as soon as July. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely seen as the favored candidate. Burnham, who recently won a by-election in Makerfield, is described as a socialist who advocates for greater state intervention in the economy, including the nationalization of energy and water services. His victory in Makerfield, where he decisively defeated a Reform UK candidate, has bolstered his standing.

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The topics were what local voters want to hear about. He focused on the cost of living and economic issues.

Burnham's potential foreign policy as Prime Minister remains largely speculative, with his campaign focus in Makerfield centered on cost of living and economic issues. However, his stance on the European Union is noted; he has not ruled out closer relations or discussions about rejoining the bloc, a position that some find risky given Reform UK's anti-EU platform. Susi Dennison, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations, suggests Burnham is primarily a domestic politician, but his electoral success against a strong Reform UK showing in his constituency indicates the EU issue played a role.

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It is clear that the issue of the EU played a role, because in this constituency, Reform UK recorded its sixth-best result in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The prospect of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, gaining a majority in the next Parliament is becoming increasingly real, following Labour's significant losses in local elections in May. Burnham's potential leadership and his approach to EU relations could significantly shape the UK's future political and economic landscape.

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Burnham did not rule out closer relations with the EU, or even some kind of talks about rejoining it.