Keir Starmer has quit as prime minister
Britain will soon have its fifth prime minister in four years. How did we get here and what challenges await Starmer’s successor?
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer is resigning as UK Prime Minister after months of pressure, despite leading Labour to a landslide victory in the 2024 general election.
- Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to replace Starmer.
- Burnham is seen as Labour's best hope against the populist-right Reform party led by Nigel Farage.
- Starmer's premiership faced criticism for perceived lack of political acumen and a major scandal involving his ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson.
- Reform UK's success in recent elections has increased pressure on Starmer.
- Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election positions him to return to parliament and potentially lead the Labour party.
- Burnham's political platform, sometimes referred to as 'Manchesterism,' advocates for increased devolution and regional investment.
- The UK faces significant policy challenges, including funding the military, welfare reform, and economic revitalization.
- Reform UK is polling strongly and projected to win a majority in the next general election.
- Labour also faces challenges from the Green party and nationalist parties in Scotland and Wales.