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The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Keir Starmer’s resignation speech: the six key takeaways

PM reminds listeners of his landslide general election win and achievements in office before ending with tribute to his family UK politics live – latest updates It was only a few minutes long, fewer than 750 words, and was in part almost drowned out by music blasted by anti-Brexit protesters. But there was a lot in Keir Starmer’s resignation speech – not all of it stated openly. Here we look at the key quotes and what the prime minister meant by them. Continue reading...

Politics
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Starmer has a strong green record – but a rightwing backlash weakened his plans

Prime minister was forced to row back on some policies despite strong support among voters for climate action Keir Starmer has faced a problem no Labour government has needed to deal with before. His energy and climate policies – core to solving the cost of living crisis – have come under attack from opposition parties, which have made dismantling the agenda one of their top priorities, second only to immigration, in their pitch to voters. This is new in British politics, where a cross-party con

PoliticsEconomyImmigrationEnvironment
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

‘Absolute nightmare’: Brexit bellwether constituencies revisited 10 years on

From north-east Scotland to Romford, London, what do those who spoke to the Guardian during the referendum campaign make of how it all panned out? The Guardian has revisited five bellwether constituencies we reported on during the 2016 EU referendum campaign, and asked those we spoke to at the time how they now feel about Brexit a decade on from the vote. Continue reading...

Politics
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

‘The King of the North’: who is the man tipped to be the next British PM? – podcast

Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as prime minister less than two years after his election victory, kickstarting the race for who will be the next Labour leader. And with MPs nervous about the growing threat from Nigel Farage’s Reform, many are speculating that the ‘King of the North’ Andy Burnham could be next in the top job, after a thumping victory in a local byelection last weekend. Reged Ahmad speaks to North of England editor Josh Halliday about the man expected to become the n

PoliticsReform
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Andy Burnham to stand to become Labour leader and UK prime minister

Former Greater Manchester mayor will be overwhelming favourite in ensuing contest to succeed Keir Starmer Andy Burnham is to stand to become the Labour leader and therefore prime minister, the former Greater Manchester mayor who returned to parliament last week has announced. Such a move was inevitable after Burnham overwhelmingly won a byelection in Makerfield, having stood on a platform of wanting to become an MP again so as to replace Keir Starmer. Continue reading...

Politics
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

From migration to Mandelson: Keir Starmer’s successes and failures in No 10

Where did it go wrong for the outgoing prime minister? And how much – if at all – did it threaten to go right? Keir Starmer pitched himself as a leader for “stability and moderation” who would rebuild Britain, after Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election. But after two years which have seen unforced errors, economic headwinds, scandals and, most recently, a disastrous set of devolved, mayoral and local election results the UK is set to have its sixth prime minister in seven year

PoliticsEconomyImmigration
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Frozen by the challenges of power: how Starmer turned triumph into tragedy

Starmer appeared ruthless in banishing the influence of Jeremy Corbyn, and winning power – but far less certain on how to wield it Few would describe him as a dramatic man, but Keir Starmer’s political career has been almost Shakespearean in its trajectory: a mere 11 years to enter parliament, lead Labour to an election win many assumed was impossible and then, inside the final two years, throw it all away. His demise is, of course, a reflection of an unprecedented era, one in which voter loyalt

Politics
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory

Labour leader bows to mounting pressure after Andy Burnham’s success against Reform UK in Makerfield Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster. Less than two years after a historic election victory, Starmer had faced calls from his MPs to set out a timeline for his departure, with many of them spooked by the threat from Nigel Farage’s party ahead

PoliticsReform
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

Keir Starmer expected to announce resignation timetable, paving way for Burnham premiership - UK politics live

It’s still unclear whether there will be a leadership contest or an uncontested handover of power Starmer expected to announce exit plan to clear way for Burnham to become PM ‘A shift has taken place’: Starmer faces the music after weekend of reflection Good morning. Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the referendum to leave the EU, which means that Wednesday is the 10th anniversary of the day David Cameron announced he was resigning as PM. After Cameron was forced out by the result of his o

Politics
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

After Burnham’s reign, battle begins for Greater Manchester’s mayoral crown

The influential role vacated by the new Makerfield MP will be fiercely contested by Labour, Reform and the Greens As Andy Burnham maps out the final steps on his path to Downing Street, he may feel that his future is clear. But a look back over his shoulder reveals a cloudier outlook, inviting the question: what now happens to his former role as Greater Manchester’s mayor? An election has been set for 30 July, and with the job widely seen as having grown under Burnham’s tenure to become one of t

PoliticsEnvironment
The Guardian Politics22 Jun 2026

I disagree with Andy Burnham’s politics. But as former health secretaries, we both know the NHS needs to be fixed | Jeremy Hunt

As prime minister, he would have a unique chance to turn the world’s most bureaucratic health service into its most innovative one If Andy Burnham moves from Manchester to No 10, he will be the first prime minister to have been health secretary in the history of the NHS. What might that mean for the troubled service? His commitment to social care is well known. But when the Treasury tells him there is no money, he is going to have to think hard about how to make his mark. The UK now spends the f

PoliticsEconomyHealthcare
The Guardian Politics21 Jun 2026

‘A shift has taken place’: Starmer faces the music after weekend of reflection

While PM’s desire to fight was strong, time with his inner circle at Chequers sharpened his sense of the inevitable On Friday, as the dust settled on Andy Burnham’s thumping victory in the Makerfield byelection, Keir Starmer was in defiant mood. “I have said repeatedly, I am not going to walk away,” the prime minister said, adding: “Let’s pull together as a party and a movement.” Just 48 hours later, one of his most loyal ministers was on the BBC sending a very different message. “I don’t want t

PoliticsHousing