2026 Labour Party leadership election
9–16 July 2026
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The 2026 Labour Party leadership election was triggered by Keir Starmer's 22 June 2026 announcement that, due to the lack of confidence in his leadership by his MPs, he intended to resign as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Andy Burnham, a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown who had been the mayor of Greater Manchester and previously ran for the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015, had been tipped since 2025 as a potential leadership challenger to Starmer, but Labour rules dictate that only MPs can stand for the leadership. Burnham was blocked from standing in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election (held on 26 February) by the party's National Executive Committee. However he stood and won the 2026 Makerfield by-election on 18 June after the constituency's MP, Josh Simons, resigned to allow Burnham to stand. Burnham's by-election victory intensified discussion of a leadership challenge; Starmer announced his resignation four days after the by-election, on the same day that Burnham was sworn in as an MP.
Nominations from MPs opened on 9 July and closed on 16 July. With 379 nominations, Burnham was the only eligible candidate when nominations closed, as he was nominated by over 94% of all Labour MPs, exceeding Gordon Brown's 88% of nominations in 2007. He was acclaimed as Leader of the Labour Party on 17 July 2026, and became Prime Minister three days later, on 20 July 2026. Burnham is the first Labour prime minister who is also a member of the Co-operative Party.
Background
[edit source]Starmer leadership and premiership
[edit source]
Keir Starmer was elected Labour leader by winning the 2020 leadership election. His party made significant gains at the 2023 and 2024 local elections amidst a significant drop in membership in the years prior. Starmer became the fifth Labour leader to become prime minister after a general election but with the smallest share of the electoral vote of any majority government since records began in 1830.[1][2]
Starmer was deeply unpopular with the British public during his premiership. His net approval rating began slightly positive but fell over the course of his premiership to an average of −46% by November 2025.[3][4] Starmer also presided over a period of deep unpopularity towards Labour, with the party facing record electoral losses during the 2025 local elections. In January 2026, Andy Burnham, who had been speculated since 2025 to be planning to enter Parliament to challenge Starmer's leadership, attempted to stand to be the Labour Party candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election but was blocked from standing by the party's National Executive Committee.[5][6][7][8] In February, Anas Sarwar, the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, called for Starmer to resign as party leader amid the Peter Mandelson appointment scandal.[9][10]
2026 local elections
[edit source]
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Personal Frontbench roles Mayor of Greater Manchester Policies Elections |
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In the May 2026 UK local elections, the Labour Party lost control of over half of the councils up for election.[11] Labour also lost over 1,400 councillors, which BBC News reported as the single largest loss of councillors Labour had had in a single local election.[11] Reform UK and the Green Party made their highest gains ever.[11]
At the same time, Labour suffered a historic defeat in the 2026 Senedd election, failing to win either an outright majority or plurality in the Senedd for the first time in its history, losing to Plaid Cymru.[11][12] In the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as well, the Labour Party failed to make expected gains, coming in joint-second with Reform UK in terms of MSPs.[11]
On 9 May, Labour MP Catherine West issued an ultimatum for a leadership challenger to Starmer to step forward by 11 May or that West would put herself forward as a candidate.[13] West said her preferred option was that someone already in the cabinet become leader, with Starmer "given a different role".[13] That same day, around Labour 30 MPs had either directly called for Keir Starmer to resign, or for him to set out a timetable on his departure.[13] On 11 May, no candidate had been put forward, and West refused herself to stand as a challenger.[14]
By 11 May's evening, 70 MPs had called for Starmer to resign.[15] On 13 May, allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC News that they expected him to resign and launch a leadership bid as soon as tomorrow.[16] A spokesperson for Streeting stated that he would not do anything to "distract" from the State Opening of Parliament.[17] In a meeting with MPs later in the evening, Starmer vowed to fight a leadership challenge if the health secretary ran.[18] Cabinet ministers loyal to Starmer attempted to convince colleagues that a change in leadership would paralyse the government and cause chaos.[19]
On 13 May, Starmer said to The Observer that he wanted to be in office for ten years and would stand in a possible leadership contest.[20] Starmer's position rapidly deteriorated on 14 May. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was cleared by the HM Revenue and Customs over her tax scandal, which was viewed as paving the way for her to join a leadership race.[21] Streeting announced his resignation at 1:00pm GMT, stating that he had lost confidence in Starmer's government. Al Carns was reported by Sky News to be interested in a leadership challenge.[22]
Return of Burnham to Parliament
[edit source]On 14 May, Josh Simons, the Labour member for Makerfield, resigned his seat in parliament, paving the way for Burnham to contest the by-election and so to stand for the Labour leadership,[23] in accordance with party rules that require any candidate for leader to be a member of the Parliamentary Labour Party.[24] Whilst Burnham had previously been blocked from standing in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election in February 2026 by the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party (NEC), they did not block his candidacy for the Makerfield by-election.
On 16 May, Wes Streeting stated he would stand in a leadership election, should there be one, but that he only supported having a "proper contest" to give Burnham time to return to Parliament and be eligible to stand, thus delaying any leadership contest until June.[25]
The 2026 Makerfield by-election was held on 18 June, with Burnham exceeding expectations to win the by-election with a large majority of over 9,000 votes. Burnham gained the support of over 200 Labour MPs by 20 June. The Guardian reported on 20 June that a Burnham leadership campaign was inevitable and that his allies were confident that Burnham would be elected uncontested, though some Labour MPs still wanted a contested leadership race.[26]
Starmer announced his intention to resign on 22 June 2026, four days after the by-election.[27]
Timeline
[edit source]- 22 June – Sir Keir Starmer announces his resignation as Leader of the Labour Party
- 9 July – PLP nominations open
- 15 July – PLP nominations close and affiliate nominations open
- 16 July – Affiliate nominations close
- 17 July – Result announced at Special Conference
- 20 July – Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham is asked by King Charles III to form a new government.
Candidates
[edit source]Under the Labour Party's rules, for a leadership contender to be on the ballot, they must be nominated by at least 20% of the Parliamentary Labour Party, meaning 81 MPs would be required.[13][28]
Burnham was the first to announce his candidacy for the leadership contest after Starmer's resignation announcement, stating he "will put [himself] forward as part of this process."[29] Wes Streeting and Al Carns, who were both seen as potential candidates, endorsed Burnham.[30]
While not formally putting herself forward for the leadership position, Catherine West, the MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, was nominated by Neil Coyle after nominations had opened. This occurred after it was already mathematically impossible for a candidate other than Burnham to reach the required level of 81 MPs.[31]
Nominated
[edit source]| Candidate | Born | Political office | Announced | Nominated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP for Makerfield (2026–present) Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017–2026) MP for Leigh (2001–2017) Secretary of State for Health (2009–2010) Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2008–2009) Chief Secretary to the Treasury (2007–2008) |
22 June 2026[29] | 9 July 2026 |
Eliminated
[edit source]| Candidate | Born | Political office | Announced | Eliminated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
14 September 1966 Mansfield, Victoria, Australia |
MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet (2015–present) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific (2024–2025) |
N/A[a] | 15 July 2026 |
Declined
[edit source]- Al Carns, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (2025–2026) (endorsed Burnham)[32]
- Darren Jones, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (2025–2026) (endorsed Burnham)[33]
- David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2025–2026) (endorsed Burnham)[34]
- Wes Streeting, former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (2024–2026) (endorsed Burnham)[30]
Endorsements
[edit source]Andy Burnham
[edit source]- David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom[34]
- Lucy Powell, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party[35]
- Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer[36]
- Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary[37]
- Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education[38]
- Darren Jones, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster[33]
- Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government[39]
- Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs[40]
- James Murray, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care[41]
- Dan Jarvis, Secretary of State for Defence[42]
- Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Cabinet Office[40]
- Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland[43]
- Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales[44]
- Wes Streeting, former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care[30]
- Louise Haigh, former Secretary of State for Transport[45]
- Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care[46]
- Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness[47]
- Hamish Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State[48]
- Al Carns, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces[32]
- Luke Charters, Member of Parliament for York Outer[49]
- Jo White, Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw[40]
- Melanie Ward, Member of Parliament for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy[40]
- Connor Naismith, Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich[50]
- Rachel Taylor, Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire and Bedworth[51]
- Paul Waugh, Member of Parliament for Rochdale[52]
- Rachael Maskell, Member of Parliament for York Central[49]
- Rosie Wrighting, Member of Parliament for Kettering[53]
- Lee Barron, Member of Parliament for Corby and East Northamptonshire[53]
- Matt Bishop, Member of Parliament for Forest of Dean[54]
- Gill Furniss, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough[55]
- Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham[56]
- Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North[57]
- Paul Foster, Member of Parliament for South Ribble[58]
- Chris Webb, Member of Parliament for Blackpool South[58]
- Oliver Ryan, Member of Parliament for Burnley[58]
- Clive Lewis, Member of Parliament for Norwich South[59]
- Patrick Hurley, Member of Parliament for Southport[60]
- Jo Platt, Member of Parliament for Leigh and Atherton[61]
- Debbie Abrahams, Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth[62]
- Neil Duncan-Jordan, Member of Parliament for Poole[63]
- Liam Byrne, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North[45]
- Tom Hayes, Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East[45]
- Gordon McKee, Member of Parliament for Glasgow South[45]
- Anna McMorrin, Member of Parliament for Cardiff North[64]
- Lizzi Collinge, Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale[65]
Nominations
[edit source]Burnham received 322 nominations on the day nominations opened, one short of the 323 that would mean no other candidate could receive enough nominations to challenge him.[66] By convention, the outgoing party leader (Starmer), NEC chair (Shabana Mahmood) and party chair (Anna Turley) did not nominate anyone.[67]
By 13 July he had received 349 PLP nominations, rising to 379 by 15 July.[67][68] After the deadline had passed, Burnham was the only remaining candidate, and secured the nominations of 23 Labour Party affiliates;[69] as there were no other eligible candidates by the affiliate deadline, Burnham was declared Leader of the Labour Party at a special party conference on 17th July.[70]
By 9 July:
- Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth
- Zubir Ahmed, MP for Glasgow South West
- Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham
- Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford
- Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare
- Douglas Alexander, MP for Lothian East
- Heidi Alexander, MP for Swindon South
- Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset
- Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney
- Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting
- Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley
- Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney
- Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower
- Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West
- Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft
- Jas Athwal, MP for Ilford South
- Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North
- Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland Central
- Calvin Bailey, MP for Leyton and Wanstead
- Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire
- David Baines, MP for St Helens North
- Alex Baker, MP for Aldershot
- Richard Baker, MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife
- Alex Ballinger, MP for Halesowen
- Antonia Bance, MP for Tipton and Wednesbury
- Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree
- Lee Barron, MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire
- Alex Barros-Curtis, MP for Cardiff West
- Danny Beales, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip
- Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood
- Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West
- Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds South
- Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East
- Polly Billington, MP for East Thanet
- Matt Bishop, MP for Forest of Dean
- Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam
- Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster
- Chris Bloore, MP for Redditch
- Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North
- Kevin Bonavia, MP for Stevenage
- Jade Botterill, MP for Ossett and Denby Dale
- Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton North East
- Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool
- Chris Bryant, MP for Rhondda and Ogmore
- Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury
- Maureen Burke, MP for Glasgow North East
- Andy Burnham, MP for Makerfield
- David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh
- Dawn Butler, MP for Brent East
- Liam Byrne, MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
- Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth
- Nesil Caliskan, MP for Barking
- Irene Campbell, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran
- Alan Campbell, MP for Tynemouth
- Dan Carden, MP for Liverpool Walton
- Sam Carling, MP for North West Cambridgeshire
- Al Carns, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak
- Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham
- Bambos Charalambous, MP for Southgate and Wood Green
- Luke Charters, MP for York Outer
- Feryal Clark, MP for Enfield North
- Ben Coleman, MP for Chelsea and Fulham
- Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter
- Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
- Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge
- Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich
- Andrew Cooper, MP for Mid Cheshire
- Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West
- Yvette Cooper, MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
- Deirdre Costigan, MP for Ealing Southall
- Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East
- Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow
- Torcuil Crichton, MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar
- Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North
- Janet Daby, MP for Lewisham East
- Nicholas Dakin, MP for Scunthorpe
- Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire
- Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central
- Paul Davies, MP for Colne Valley
- Shaun Davies, MP for Telford
- Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd
- Marsha De Cordova, MP for Battersea
- Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax
- Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, MP for Slough
- Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford
- Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley
- Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston
- Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East
- Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye
- Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth
- Peter Dowd, MP for Bootle
- Graeme Downie, MP for Dunfermline and Dollar
- Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey
- Maria Eagle, MP for Liverpool Garston
- Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge
- Lauren Edwards, MP for Rochester and Strood
- Clive Efford, MP for Eltham and Chislehurst
- Damien Egan, MP for Bristol North East
- Maya Ellis, MP for Ribble Valley
- Chris Elmore, MP for Bridgend
- Kirith Entwistle, MP for Bolton North East
- Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
- Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central
- Miatta Fahnbulleh, MP for Peckham
- Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln
- Linsey Farnsworth, MP for Amber Valley
- Josh Fenton-Glynn, MP for Calder Valley
- Mark Ferguson, MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham
- Patricia Ferguson, MP for Glasgow West
- Natalie Fleet, MP for Bolsover
- Emma Foody, MP for Cramlington and Killingworth
- Paul Foster, MP for South Ribble
- Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham North
- Mary Kelly Foy, MP for City of Durham
- James Frith, MP for Bury North
- Gill Furniss, MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
- Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent West
- Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South
- Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall
- Alan Gemmell, MP for Central Ayrshire
- Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith
- Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston
- Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East
- Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk
- Georgia Gould, MP for Queen's Park and Maida Vale
- John Grady, MP for Glasgow East
- Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South
- Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli
- Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley
- Sarah Hall, MP for Warrington South
- Fabian Hamilton, MP for Leeds North East
- Paulette Hamilton, MP for Birmingham Erdington
- Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
- Lloyd Hatton, MP for South Dorset
- Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood
- Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East
- Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke
- John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
- Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire
- Claire Hughes, MP for Bangor Aberconwy
- Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby
- Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton
- Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport
- Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East
- Sally Jameson, MP for Doncaster Central
- Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North
- Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk
- Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Diana Johnson, MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
- Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside
- Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West
- Lillian Jones, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun
- Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn
- Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon West
- Sojan Joseph, MP for Ashford
- Warinder Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West
- Chris Kane, MP for Stirling and Strathallan
- Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East
- Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test
- Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West
- Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme
- Naushabah Khan, MP for Gillingham and Rainham
- Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg
- Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley
- Uma Kumaran, MP for Stratford and Bow
- Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade
- Laura Kyrke-Smith, MP for Aylesbury
- Peter Lamb, MP for Crawley
- David Lammy, MP for Tottenham
- Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington
- Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay
- Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley
- Emma Lewell, MP for South Shields
- Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield
- Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South
- Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell
- Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford
- Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington
- Alice Macdonald, MP for Norwich North
- Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen
- Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
- Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston
- Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North
- Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central
- Keir Mather, MP for Selby
- Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire
- Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East
- Martin McCluskey, MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West
- Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
- Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North
- Blair McDougall, MP for East Renfrewshire
- Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington
- Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East
- Alison McGovern, MP for Birkenhead
- Alex McIntyre, MP for Gloucester
- Gordon McKee, MP for Glasgow South
- Kevin McKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey
- Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North
- Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
- Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North
- Frank McNally, MP for Coatbridge and Bellshill
- Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian
- Anneliese Midgley, MP for Knowsley
- Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North
- Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport
- Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central
- Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South
- Grahame Morris, MP for Easington
- Joe Morris, MP for Hexham
- Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke
- Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
- Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South
- James Murray, MP for Ealing North
- James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe
- Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich
- Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan
- Kanishka Narayan, MP for Vale of Glamorgan
- Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke
- Josh Newbury, MP for Cannock Chase
- Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North
- Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley
- Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
- Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
- Simon Opher, MP for Stroud
- Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East
- Tristan Osborne, MP for Chatham and Aylesford
- Taiwo Owatemi, MP for Coventry North West
- Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North
- Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough
- Matthew Patrick, MP for Wirral West
- Michael Payne, MP for Gedling
- Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South
- Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak
- Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich
- Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield
- Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South
- David Pinto-Duschinsky, MP for Hendon
- Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
- Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton
- Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
- Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater
- Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central
- Gregor Poynton, MP for Livingston
- Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
- Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden
- Steve Race, MP for Exeter
- Connor Rand, MP for Altrincham and Sale West
- Andrew Ranger, MP for Wrexham
- Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne
- Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich
- Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey
- Emma Reynolds, MP for Wycombe
- Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde
- Martin Rhodes, MP for Glasgow North
- Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley
- Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal
- Lucy Rigby, MP for Northampton North
- Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield
- Tim Roca, MP for Macclesfield
- Matt Rodda, MP for Reading Central
- Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland
- Sarah Russell, MP for Congleton
- Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham
- Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley
- Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green
- Jeevun Sandher, MP for Loughborough
- Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West
- Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South
- Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen
- Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
- David Smith, MP for North Northumberland
- Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington
- Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn
- Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South
- Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central
- Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley
- Euan Stainbank, MP for Falkirk
- Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff East
- Kenneth Stevenson, MP for Airdrie and Shotts
- Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
- Will Stone, MP for Swindon North
- Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin
- Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North
- Alan Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
- Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham
- Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow
- Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell
- Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside
- Alison Taylor, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North
- Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth
- Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View
- Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West
- Nick Thomas-Symonds, MP for Torfaen
- Adam Thompson, MP for Erewash
- Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury
- Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge
- Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham
- Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet
- Henry Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire
- Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford
- Laurence Turner, MP for Birmingham Northfield
- Derek Twigg, MP for Widnes and Halewood
- Liz Twist, MP for Blaydon and Consett
- Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield
- Tony Vaughan, MP for Folkestone and Hythe
- Valerie Vaz, MP for Walsall and Bloxwich
- Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South
- Melanie Ward, MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
- Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale
- Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South
- Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest
- Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston
- Michael Wheeler, MP for Worsley and Eccles
- Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw
- Katie White, MP for Leeds North West
- David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North
- Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury
- Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering
- Yuan Yang, MP for Earley and Woodley
- Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford
- Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield
- Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge
By 13 July:
- Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich
- Tahir Ali, MP for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
- Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East
- Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby
- Juliet Campbell, MP for Broxtowe
- Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire
- Gill German, MP for Clwyd North
- Amanda Hack, MP for North West Leicestershire
- Meg Hillier, MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch
- Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East
- Louise Sandher-Jones, MP for North East Derbyshire
- Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth
- Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham
- Katrina Murray, MP for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
- Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
- Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen
- Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley
- Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South
- Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North
- Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness
- Mike Tapp, MP for Dover and Deal
- David Taylor, MP for Hemel Hempstead
- Chris Vince, MP for Harlow
- Imogen Walker, MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley
- Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
- Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet
- John Whitby, MP for Derbyshire Dales
By 14 July:
- James Asser, MP for West Ham and Beckton
- Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway
- Pam Cox, MP for Colchester
- Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock
- Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South
- Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire
- Josh Dean, MP for Hertford and Stortford
- Sarah Edwards, MP for Tamworth
- Chris Evans MP for Caerphilly
- Mark Hendrick, MP for Preston
- Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South
- Gerald Jones, MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
- Gen Kitchen, MP for Wellingborough and Rushden
- Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth
- Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East
- Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
- Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead
- Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston
- Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre
- Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
By 15 July (close of nominations):
- Johanna Baxter, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South
- Daniel Francis, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford
- Jodie Gosling, MP for Nuneaton
- Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe
- Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford
- Gurinder Singh Josan, MP for Smethwick
- Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle
- Mark Sewards, MP for Leeds South West and Morley
- Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Highgate
- Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington
On 14 July:
- Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse
- Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West
- Tom Collins, MP for Worcester
- Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole
- Mary Glindon, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
- Carolyn Harris, MP for Neath and Swansea East
- Chris Hinchliff, MP for North East Hertfordshire
- Alex Mayer, MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
- Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden
- John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington
- Perran Moon, MP for Camborne and Redruth
- Samantha Niblett, MP for South Derbyshire
- Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill
- John Slinger, MP for Rugby
- Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
- Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley and Middleton South
- Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West
- Jon Trickett, MP for Normanton and Hemsworth
- Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East
Did not endorse due to Labour party convention:
- Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood[b]
- Keir Starmer, MP for Holborn and St Pancras[c]
- Anna Turley, MP for Redcar[d]
- Labour Party Irish Society[71]
- UNISON[72][73]
- ASLEF[74]
- TSSA[75]
- Community[76]
- USDAW[77]
- Communication Workers Union
- GMB
- Musician's Union
- National Union of Mineworkers
- Unite
- East and South East Asians for Labour
- Christians on the Left
- Disability Labour
- Jewish Labour Movement
- Labour Business
- Labour Campaign for International Development
- Labour Housing Group
- Labour Movement for Europe
- Scientists for Labour
- Socialist Environment and Resources Association
- Labour in Local and Regional Government
- Fire Brigades Union
| Candidate | First stage Parliamentary Labour Party members |
Second stage Labour Party affiliates | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominations[78] | % | Nominations[69] | % | ||||||
| Andy Burnham | 379 / 403 |
94% | 23 / 33 |
69.7% | |||||
| Catherine West (eliminated) | 1 / 403 |
0.2% | |||||||
| Total nominations | 380 / 403 |
94.3% | 23 / 33 |
69.7% | |||||
Opinion polls
[edit source]Polling companies began polling Labour members on their preferred candidate in a potential leadership contest prior to Starmer's resignation announcement.
- Multi-candidate polling
| Dates conducted |
Pollster | Sample size | Andy Burnham |
Al Carns |
Yvette Cooper |
Louise Haigh |
Sadiq Khan |
David Lammy |
Shabana Mahmood |
Ed Miliband |
Bridget Phillipson |
Lucy Powell |
Angela Rayner |
Keir Starmer |
Wes Streeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15–19 May 2026 | Ipsos[79] | 346 Labour voters | 38% | 0% | 3% | N/a | 3% | 3% | 2% | 3% | 0% | 1% | 7% | N/a | 4% |
| 31% | 0% | 4% | N/a | 1% | 1% | 0% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 4% | 18% | 2% | |||
| 14–18 May 2026 | YouGov[80] | 706 Labour members | 47% | 0% | 3% | N/a | N/a | N/a | 1% | 3% | N/a | N/a | 8% | 31% | 4% |
| 15–16 May 2026 | Find Out Now[81] | 306 Labour members | 36% | 1% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 4% | N/a | N/a | 7% | 36% | 2% |
| 30 Apr – 5 May 2026 | Survation[82] | 1,078 Labour members | 42% | 2% | 5% | 1% | N/a | N/a | 4% | 10% | N/a | 1% | 11% | N/a | 11% |
| 29 Jan – 3 February 2026 | Survation[83] | 1,264 Labour members | 41% | N/a | 7% | 1% | N/a | N/a | 7% | 8% | N/a | 1% | 17% | N/a | 19% |
- Head-to-head
| Dates conducted |
Pollster | Sample size | Andy Burnham |
Al Carns |
Yvette Cooper |
Louise Haigh |
Darren Jones |
Shabana Mahmood |
Ed Miliband |
Bridget Phillipson |
Lucy Powell |
Angela Rayner |
Keir Starmer |
Wes Streeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14–18 May 2026 | YouGov[80] | 706 Labour members | 75% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 21% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| 69% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 27% | N/a | N/a | |||
| 59% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 37% | N/a | |||
| 80% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 10% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 35% | N/a | N/a | 61% | N/a | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 38% | N/a | N/a | N/a | 58% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 58% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 28% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 47% | 49% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 70% | N/a | 19% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 65% | 15% | |||
| 13–14 May 2026 | Survation[84] | 1,124 Labour members | 61% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 28% | N/a |
| 71% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 18% | |||
| N/a | 17% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 45% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | 31% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 45% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | 29% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 50% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 25% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 40% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 15% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 64% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 19% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 43% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 46% | N/a | N/a | N/a | 39% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 58% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 30% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 25% | N/a | N/a | 46% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 27% | N/a | 51% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 45% | N/a | N/a | 34% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 45% | 41% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 54% | N/a | 29% | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 53% | 23% | |||
| 29 Jan – 3 February 2026 | Survation[83] | 1,264 Labour members | 53% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 37% | N/a |
| N/a | N/a | 26% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 49% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | 25% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 52% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 17% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 55% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 41% | N/a | N/a | N/a | 44% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 29% | N/a | 52% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 48% | 37% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 42% | 30% | |||
| 22–23 Jan 2026 | Find Out Now[85] | 501 Labour members | 48% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 26% | N/a |
| 18–20 Nov 2025 | Survation[86] | 1,013 Labour members | 58% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 32% | N/a |
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 16% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 50% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 44% | N/a | N/a | N/a | 40% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 26% | N/a | N/a | 42% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 30% | N/a | 48% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 52% | 33% | N/a | |||
| N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 31% | 33% |
See also
[edit source]Notes
[edit source]References
[edit source]- ↑ Murphy, Matt; Baker, Graeme (4 July 2024). "UK Election: What's Happened, And What Comes Next". BBC News. Archived from the original on 21 March 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Election 2024: Our Least Representative Election Ever – Make Votes Matter". makevotesmatter.org.uk. 6 July 2024. Archived from the original on 28 June 2026. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ Gilbert, Jeremy (23 December 2025). "Why Is Keir Starmer so Unpopular?". New Statesman. Archived from the original on 11 May 2026. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Asl, Nasim (13 February 2026). "Is Sir Keir Starmer the 'Most Unpopular' PM in Recent Times?". Full Fact. Archived from the original on 5 May 2026. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Courea, Eleni (25 September 2025). "Burnham says MPs are privately urging him to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- ↑ Stacey, Kiran; McKelvie, Geraldine; Taylor, Harry (24 January 2026). "Starmer allies urge him to block Andy Burnham from running in byelection". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
- ↑ Nevett, Joshua (23 January 2026). "Andy Burnham Faces Decision on Bid to Return as MP". BBC News. Archived from the original on 23 January 2026. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Coates, Sam (23 January 2026). "Andy Burnham, Next PM? The Big Hurdle Facing Popular Mayor". Sky News. Archived from the original on 23 January 2026. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Crerar, Pippa; Carrell, Severin (9 February 2026). "Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar Calls on Keir Starmer to Stand Down". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ "Sarwar Made Last-Minute Decision to Call for Starmer's Resignation". BBC News. 24 March 2026. Archived from the original on 10 May 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Carr, Jess; Thomson, Callum (10 May 2026). "How Britain's Political Map Has Been Torn Up". BBC. Archived from the original on 10 May 2026. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
- ↑ Deans, David; Browne, Adrian (7 May 2026). "Senedd Election 2026: Plaid Seeking to Run Minority Welsh Government". BBC News. Archived from the original on 5 July 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Morton, Becky; Zeffman, Henry (9 May 2026). "Challenge Keir Starmer by Monday or I Will, Labour MP Catherine West Tells Cabinet". BBC News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ Whannel, Kate (11 May 2026). "Catherine West Says Keir Starmer Should Go but Pulls Back from Leadership Challenge". BBC News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ Hadfield, Charlotte; Zeffman, Henry (11 May 2026). "Cabinet Split as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood Among Ministers Calling for Starmer to Set out Timetable for Resignation". BBC News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- ↑ Doherty, Caitlin; Humphrey, Andrew; Zeffman, Henry (13 May 2026). "PM Has 'Full Confidence' in Streeting, No 10 Says, As Health Secretary's Allies Expect Him to Launch Challenge". BBC News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Rigby, Beth (13 May 2026). "Beth Rigby: Streeting Ally Says He's Preparing to Resign". Sky News. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- ↑ Brigaud, Millie; Swinford, Steven; Wright, Oliver; Allegretti, Aubrey; Kendix, Max; Scott, Geraldine (13 May 2026). "Keir Starmer Latest: PM 'Vows to Fight Wes Streeting Leadership Challenge'". The Times. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Hancock, Sam; Humphrey, Andrew; Zeffman, Henry (13 May 2026). "Keir Starmer Meets Ministers and MPs as He Tries to Stop Possible Leadership Challenge". BBC News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Sylvester, Rachel (9 May 2026). "Keir Starmer: I Want 10 Years in No 10 and Will Fight My Challengers". The Observer. Archived from the original on 12 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
- ↑ Crerar, Pippa (14 May 2026). "Angela Rayner Cleared by HMRC over Tax Affairs, Paving Way for Potential Leadership Bid". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ "Starmer Latest: Wes Streeting Resigns, Paving the Way for Leadership Challenge". Sky News. 14 May 2026. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ Green, Daniel (14 May 2026). "Josh Simons to Stand Down as MP to Allow Burnham Return to Parliament". LabourList. Retrieved 14 May 2026.
- ↑ Langford, Eleanor (14 May 2026). "The Five Stages of a Labour Leadership Challenge – and Why It Favours Keir Starmer". The i Paper. Archived from the original on 15 May 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
- ↑ "Wes Streeting Confirms He Will Run in Any Labour Leadership Race". The Independent. 16 May 2026.
- ↑ Elgot, Jessica; McKelvie, Geraldine (20 June 2026). "Burnham allies confident of No 10 'coronation' after surge in backers". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
- ↑ Hoyle, Craig; Hadfield, Charlotte; Zeffman, Henry (22 June 2026). "Keir Starmer Resigns, As Andy Burnham Confirms He Will Run to Replace Him as Labour Leader and PM". BBC News. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- ↑ Green, Daniel (13 November 2025). "What Are Labour's Rules for a Leadership Election If Keir Starmer Is Challenged?". LabourList. Archived from the original on 29 December 2025. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Burnham Confirms He Will Seek to Replace Starmer as PM". BBC News. 22 June 2026. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Streeting Backs Burnham: His Statement in Full". BBC News. 22 June 2026. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- 1 2 Hughes, David (14 July 2026). "Starmer thanks campaigners who helped 'shape me and make me who I am'". The Independent. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Burnham's last remaining Labour leadership threat tells Sky News he will not run". Sky News. 8 July 2026.
- 1 2 Quinn, Ben (24 June 2026). "Darren Jones Says He Will Not Challenge Andy Burnham for Labour Leadership". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Lammy Backs Burnham for PM". The Telegraph. 23 June 2026.
- ↑ McKiernan, Jennifer (28 June 2026). "Senior Labour figures say party is united behind Andy Burnham". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2026. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- ↑ "Reeves Backs Burnham for PM". The Telegraph. 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Exclusive 'We have got to earn back respect and support': Cooper backs Burnham as Labour leader and new PM". ITV News. 25 June 2026.
- ↑ "Stream of Cabinet Ministers Throw Weight Behind Andy Burnham". Financial Times. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ "Steve Reed on Andy Burnham and Prospect of General Election". Sky News. 28 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 McKiernan, Jennifer; Zeffman, Henry (23 June 2026). "Minister Supports Burnham as Labour MPs Split over Possible Contest for Leadership". BBC News. Archived from the original on 24 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ "Watch: Health Secretary James Murray Backs Burnham as PM". BBC News. 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- ↑ Marshall, Sarah (27 June 2026). "Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis says Andy Burnham would make "excellent" Prime Minister". The Star. Archived from the original on 28 June 2026. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ Cochrane, Angus (22 June 2026). "Sarwar 'Proud' of Work with Starmer Despite Resignation Call". www.bbc.com. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- ↑ Necke, Karl (26 June 2026). "Jo Stevens backing Andy Burnham to become next prime minister". BBC News. Archived from the original on 30 June 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Green, Daniel (25 June 2026). "Who Are Labour MPs Backing to Become the Party's Next Leader and Prime Minister?". LabourList. Archived from the original on 26 June 2026. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ Peters, Kit (22 June 2026). "STARMER RESIGNATION: Kinnock Backs Burnham for PM as Local Labour MPs React". Swansea Bay News. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ McGovern, Alison (24 June 2026). "'Progressives like Me Need Andy to Succeed'". LabourList. Archived from the original on 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- ↑ Castle, Oliver (23 June 2026). "County MP Backs Burnham's PM Bid". LincsOnline. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- 1 2 Connell, Dylan (22 June 2026). "York MPs Back Andy Burnham for Prime Minister as Keir Starmer Resigns". York Press. Archived from the original on 22 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Parker, Ryan (22 June 2026). "MP Backs Andy Burnham After Keir Starmer Announces Resignation Plans". Crewe Nub News. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ "Rachel Welcomes Prime Minister's Resignation and Backs Andy Burnham to Be the Next Prime Minister". Rachel Taylor MP (Press release). 22 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Clark, Adam. "Rochdale MP Backs Andy Burnham for Labour Leadership After Keir Starmer Resignation". Roch Valley Radio. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- 1 2 Lincoln, Nadia (23 June 2026). "Northamptonshire MPs Share Their Thoughts on Keir Starmer's Resignation". Northamptonshire Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 24 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Davis, Luke (23 June 2026). "Matt Bishop Backs Andy Burnham for Labour Leadership". Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Review. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Smith, Finn (22 June 2026). "Sheffield MPs Respond to Resignation of Prime Minister as Leadership Contest Begins". The Star. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ @BBCPM (22 June 2026). ""We're changing leaders. We're not changing our underlying policies." Labour MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion, who backs Andy Burnham for prime minister, tells @EvanHD that she'd like the process to happen quickly" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 June 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
- ↑ Shefferd, Neil (22 June 2026). "Milton Keynes MP Backs Andy Burnham to Be Next Labour Party Leader". Milton Keynes Citizen. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 Falkner, Paul (22 June 2026). "'Inevitable and the Right Move': Lancashire Labour MPs React to Sir Keir Starmer's Resignation". Lancashire Evening Post. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Grimmer, Dan (22 June 2026). "Backing for Burnham from Norfolk MPs as Sir Keir Starmer Resigns as PM". North Norfolk News. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Burnell, Paul (19 June 2026). "Starmer Loyalist Patrick Hurley Backs Andy Burnham for Leader". BBC News. Archived from the original on 23 June 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
- ↑ Platt, Jo (23 June 2026). "Leigh and Atherton MP Backs Burnham After PM Quits and Calls for Renewal". Leigh Journal. Archived from the original on 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- ↑ Fedeczko, Sofia (24 June 2026). "Oldham MP Shares Who She Is Backing for Prime Minister After Starmer". The Oldham Times. Archived from the original on 25 June 2026. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
- ↑ Hudson, Emily (6 February 2026). "PM Must Go so Party Can Rebuild Trust, Labour MP Says". BBC News. Archived from the original on 17 February 2026. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ Mansfield, Mark (29 June 2026). "Cardiff North MP Anna McMorrin 'campaigning to be Burnham's Welsh Secretary'". Nation.Cymru. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 30 June 2026.
- ↑ Collinge, Lizzi (1 July 2026). "Morecambe MP column: Why I am backing Andy Burnham to become the next Prime Minister". Lancaster Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 July 2026. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
- ↑ Session, Paul (9 July 2026). "Andy Burnham on course for No 10 as Labour nominations open". BBC News. Archived from the original on 9 July 2026. Retrieved 9 July 2026.
- 1 2 Adu, Aletha; Crerar, Pippa (13 July 2026). "Andy Burnham Secures Labour Leadership with Landslide Support, Paving Way to Becoming UK PM". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
Reed was the only member of the cabinet not to nominate Burnham last week – Shabana Mahmood and Anna Turley, by convention, will not nominate anyone because of their positions as chairs of Labour's NEC and the party respectively. Starmer, as outgoing leader, also by convention does not take part.
- ↑ "Labour Leadership Election 2026". PollCheck. Archived from the original on 20 July 2026. Retrieved 20 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Labour Leadership 2026 Affiliate Nominations". The Labour Party. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- ↑ Ambrose, Tom; Sparrow, Andrew; Stewart, Heather; Rawlinson, Kevin (17 July 2026). "Burnham to announce cabinet picks on Monday – as it happened". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 July 2026. Retrieved 20 July 2026.
- ↑ "Labour Party Irish Society (@labourirish) on X". X (formerly Twitter). 13 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "UNISON – UK's largest union (@unisontheunion) on X". X (formerly Twitter). 14 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "UNISON backs Andy Burnham as Labour leader | UNISON – the public service union". unison.org.uk. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "ASLEF (@ASLEFunion) on X". X (formerly Twitter). 14 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "TSSA endorses Andy Burnham". TSSA. 15 July 2026. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Community backs Andy Burnham for Labour Party leadership". Community Trade Union. 14 July 2026. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "USDAW – 322 MPs nominate Andy Burnham". www.usdaw.org.uk. Archived from the original on 15 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Labour Leadership 2026 PLP Nominations". The Labour Party. Archived from the original on 16 July 2026. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "As Pressure on Starmer Continues, Andy Burnham Continues to Be the Most Popular Alternative". Ipsos. 22 May 2026. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- 1 2 "What Do Labour Members Think of the Party Leadership, May 2026?". YouGov. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ "Labour Leader Poll for Mail on Sunday". Find Out Now. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Keir Starmer's Replacement? Andy Burnham's Prospects Among Labour Members and the General Public". Survation. 12 May 2026. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Starmer Would Defeat Streeting in Leadership Contest, Poll Suggests". LabourList. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Streeting Would Lose Leadership Contest Against Keir Starmer, Poll Reveals". LabourList. 14 May 2026. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Labour Members Polling". Find Out Now. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Starmer Would Lose Leadership Contest to Streeting, Rayner, Burnham and Miliband". LabourList. 22 November 2025. Archived from the original on 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
