LATEST: Starmer resigns
6/22/202622 min
After weeks of intensifying pressure from ministers, backbenchers, and former allies, Keir Starmer made the only decision he really could – to resign. If Andy Burnham runs unchallenged to replace him, we could have a new prime minister as soon as July. So what do the next few weeks look like for this lame duck leader? And what does this latest bout of political turmoil do to Britain’s standing in the world?
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Guests:
- Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio.
- Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.
- Jack Straw, former Labour foreign secretary.
Host: Stephen Sackur.
Producers: Maxie Allen, Donnie Campbell.
We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com
Read more: What happens now Keir Starmer has resigned and when could we have a new PM?
Further listening: Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power
Clips: BBC News, Parliament.
Photo: Getty Images.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsLuke Jones· Host0:00
[upbeat music] Hello, Luke Jones here after a busy, busy weekend of speculation. Just after 9:00 AM this morning, Keir Starmer, to the shock and disbelief of absolutely nobody, announced his resignation.
Keir Starmer· Soundbite0:20
The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.
Luke Jones· Host0:41
Andy Burnham arrived a little later at London Euston Station and was soon in the House of Commons chamber, being officially sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield.
Andy Burnham· Soundbite0:51
I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to law, so help me God.
Speaker 41:02
Hear, hear!
Luke Jones· Host1:04
He's not prime minister yet, though. Keir Starmer will be in Downing Street for a little longer whilst a leadership contest gets underway. But if Andy Burnham is unchallenged, the removals men could be making the switch as soon as early July. What does that mean, then, for the lame duck Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the interim? How are Labor MPs reacting to the new dawn that broke in summer 2024 ending so abruptly?