Keir Starmer has finally bowed to intense pressure to stand down as British prime minister as he conceded that he was no longer the right man to lead the country, leaving Andy Burnham all but certain to succeed him. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

In his resignation speech outside 10 Downing Street in London, Starmer said he would do everything he could to ensure an orderly handover of power. He acknowledged that his party questioned whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election.

"The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election," he said in an unusually emotional speech. "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first: that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour party."

While Starmer had insisted on Friday that he would fight any leadership contest, conversations with cabinet ministers over the weekend and time with his wife, Victoria, shifted his thinking. "When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy," Starmer said, his voice cracking with emotion.

He has asked Labour's ruling national executive committee to set out a timetable for a contest, with nominations opening on 9 July, and to be completed by the summer recess a week later. Labour MPs would hold an in-person hustings regardless of the number of candidates.

But with no other Labour MP expected to get the requisite 81 names, and Streeting not challenging him, Burnham looks likely to take over unopposed, entering No 10 as early as 16 or 17 July.

Burnham's policy platform is beginning to take shape. The Guardian understands that:

  • 01Burnham will begin to set out his policies next week with a series of speeches to demonstrate a symbolic shift from Starmer's government, starting with the economy and devolution.
  • 02He is considering appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor in order to challenge Treasury orthodoxy but has not made a final decision. Sources said Burnham was aware of the potential risks with business and the unions opposed to the move, but could be prepared to make the argument.
  • 03Shabana Mahmood is expected to stay at the Home Office after the former Greater Manchester mayor praised the home secretary for "facing up" to the big issues on immigration during the byelection campaign.
  • 04Wes Streeting could be appointed to one of the top cabinet jobs, but did "not come with any leverage" to discussions, as campaign sources rejected his claims he had the numbers to run. Others have argued for him to be appointed chancellor to reassure the markets.
  • 05Starmer loyalists are still seeking a candidate who could stand against Burnham – depending on whether Miliband was chancellor. Darren Jones has been touted as a possibility, and although sources said he was not organising a run, they stopped short of a categorical denial.

In his resignation speech, Starmer said: "I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead and better able to ensure the Labour party secures a second term in office."

In a statement shortly after Starmer's resignation, Burnham thanked him for his service. "His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way," he said. "I will put myself forward as part of th"