Streeting’s backing makes a coronation for Burnham more likely

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Wes Streeting has said he will not contest the Labour party leadership after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, potentially clearing the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister. Starmer had vowed to fight any challenger but changed his mind after several cabinet colleagues told him to step aside over the weekend. Speaking outside Number 10 yesterday morning, an emotional Starmer said he was “putting the country I love first”. Burnham was sworn in as an MP shortly afterwards. Starmer said he would remain in office until parliament returns from its summer recess in September to allow time for a contest to take place. But a coronation now seems more likely after Streeting ruled himself out, and the former Manchester mayor could be prime minister within four weeks. This scenario concerns some Labour MPs, who want a battle of ideas to test Burnham’s policy platform.