Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after questions raised about his leadership.听
The former Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, who has been tipped to replace the PM, will be in Westminster later today to be sworn in as the MP for Makerfield, after a resounding victory in the by-election last week.听
The former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has now confirmed he will not be putting his name forward as the next leader, and backs Mr Burnham as the next PM.听
In a statement he said, "we could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to delivery the change our Party and the country needs."听
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Outlining his timetable for resignation, the PM gave an emotional statement outside Downing Street to his closest circle of political supporters.听
Sir Keir said: "The question my party is asking now, is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.听
"I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. I accept that answer with good grace.听
"Every decision I have taken is about putting the country I love first, that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party. I have spoken to his Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision."
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He confirmed nominations for a leadership contest would start on July 9 and would be completed by the Summer recess.听
In the case of a contest, he said this will ensure a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September.听
Sir Keir said: "I will remain in post as PM until the contest is complete. I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support. Knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one that I inherited two years ago."听
The PM, thanked his friends and colleagues for being by his side throughout his tenure and for their 'incredible commitment, service and support'.听
In an emotional address to his family, Sir Keir said: "When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job. Being the best husband I can, to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through the good times and bad. And being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy."
Mr Burnham thanked the PM for his 'huge service' and confirmed that he will be putting his name forward as the next PM.听
Alongside questions of who the next PM will be, the future of the Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds and the Farming Minister Stephen Morgan has also been put under the spotlight.
草榴社区 will be wondering whether the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her divisive family farm tax will remain under the next PM.听
