Andy Burnham prepares for power as emotional Keir Starmer bows out

Keir Starmer has finally bowed to intense pressure to stand down as British prime minister as he conceded that he was no longer the right man to lead the country, leaving Andy Burnham all but certain to succeed him. In an extraordinary day at Westminster, Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers, many unnerved by the threat from Reform UK before the next general election. As the newly elected MP for Makerfield made his way down by train to Westminster, it became increasingly likely Burnham would be crowned Labour leader without having to face a contest, giving him just over three weeks to prepare for government. After Wes Streeting confirmed he would not challenge him for the top job , the focus among jubilant Labour MPs turned to Burnham’s policy agenda, his plans to take on Nigel Farage’s party and who might be in his first cabinet. With his platform beginning to take shape, the Guardian understands that: Wes Streeting could be appointed to one of the top cabinet jobs, but did “not come with any leverage” to discussions, as campaign sources rejected his claims he had the numbers to run. Others have argued for him to be appointed chancellor to reassure the markets. Starmer loyalists are still seeking a candidate who could stand against Burnham – depending on whether Miliband was chancellor. …