Andy Burnham on his way to Downing Street: Starmer’s successor and the challenges facing the new Labour Prime Minister

Some Labour MPs would like to see someone stand as a candidate, as they regard a contest as more democratic than a coronation, but it would be a mere formality: it is hard to imagine who could have the support and popularity needed to challenge the ‘King of the North’. One need only look at yesterday’s scenes in Parliament to see just how powerful the ‘Burnham effect’ is.

Elected as the MP for Makerfield last week with 55 per cent of the vote, he was sworn in yesterday at Westminster, surrounded by hundreds of jubilant Labour MPs, including several ministers allied with Starmer. Confirming his candidacy, the former mayor of Manchester said that “people want to see progress on economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation” and promised a “positive renewal” of the party and the country.

Starmer, who had been elected less than two years ago with a large majority, had pledged to bring change and stability following the chaos of recent Tory governments, but failed to deliver on his promises. Too rigid and cautious, he quickly lost support, becoming the most unpopular prime minister in British history. In last month’s local elections, Labour suffered a series of humiliating defeats.

After insisting that he wanted to remain in his post and take on any challenger, Starmer realised last weekend that he had no support left and decided to step down with dignity, highlighting in his farewell speech his achievements in the economy, healthcare, and foreign and defence policy. According to an instant poll conducted by YouGov, 62 per cent of those surveyed believe Starmer was right to resign.

If Burnham, as it seems, succeeds in his third attempt to become Prime Minister, it is because he has earned a reputation for efficiency during his nearly ten years as mayor of Manchester, revitalising the city’s economy and fighting for greater autonomy from London.

His victory in Makerfield – a constituency which, in last month’s local elections, had turned its back on Labour and voted for Reform – confirmed his popularity and cemented his credibility, paving the way for him to Downing Street.

In the eyes of Labour MPs, Burnham – who is open, charismatic and close to the people – seems the only politician capable of defeating Reform, the right-wing, anti-EU and anti-immigration party founded by Nigel Farage, which has been leading in all the polls for months.

Burnham now has little time to put his team together, draw up a government programme and choose his ministers. He has a long history of party membership and has previously served as a minister in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, so he has experience, but he has been away from Westminster for ten years.

It will not be easy to replicate on a national scale the undeniable success he has enjoyed in Manchester, or to manage the economic crisis, the complex geopolitical situation, relations with President Trump’s US administration, or the rapprochement with the European Union.

A staunch pro-European, Burnham had come out against Brexit and expressed support for a return of the UK to the EU, but as Prime Minister he might proceed with greater caution. The EU decided yesterday to give him more time, announcing the postponement of the bilateral summit scheduled for 22 July.