Reactions to Starmer's resignation

Farage calls for new election: "Needs change"

Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing populist party Reform UK, is calling for a new election after Keir Starmer's resignation.

On social media, Farage accuses Labour of failing voters and says the party should not be allowed to appoint a new prime minister without first holding an election.

He also believes that a possible new Labour leader, who is the favourite to be Andy Burnham, would mean a continuation of Starmer's policies.

"I've had enough of waiting. Britain needs change - real change, not another defunct politician being pushed into office by the political establishment."

Burnham opens up to succeed Starmer

Andy Burnham is opening up to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader, he writes on X.

He writes that Starmer's resignation marks the beginning of a transition process, and it is important that it is carried out in an orderly and responsible manner.

"I will make myself available as part of that process."

Burnham was previously Health Secretary and until recently Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he was nicknamed "the King in the North" during the pandemic. He has long been seen as a possible challenger to the post of Prime Minister from Labour's left wing.

Streeting supports Burnham - will not run

Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting is backing Andy Burnham as the new Prime Minister, British media report. He has previously hinted that he may challenge Burnham for the post.

“We can spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him deliver the change our party and our country need,” he writes on X.

Therefore, Burnham is likely to take over from Keir Starmer in a so-called coronation, that is, without a rival candidate.