What Happens Next After Keir Starmer's Resignation? Labour Leadership Race Explained

Following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and Labour leader, attention is now turning to the contest that will decide who leads both the Labour Party and the country.

Starmer confirmed that nominations for the leadership election will open on 9 July, with a new leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.

How does the Labour leadership election work?

A Labour leadership contest is automatically triggered when the party leader resigns. To make it onto the ballot paper, candidates must secure the backing of at least 20 per cent of Labour MPs.

In addition, candidates must also receive support from at least 5% of local constituency Labour parties or from three affiliated organisations, including at least two trade unions, representing a minimum proportion of Labour's affiliated membership.

Once nominations close, Labour members, affiliated supporters and registered supporters vote using a one-member-one-vote system. The winner becomes Labour leader and, because Labour commands a majority in the House of Commons, will be invited by the King to become Prime Minister.

Who could replace Starmer?

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Andy Burnham

The newly elected MP for Makerfield and current Mayor of Greater Manchester is widely regarded as the favourite.

Burnham's landslide victory in last week's by-election is seen as one of the key events that accelerated pressure on Starmer. He has strong support among Labour members and has positioned himself as a champion of regional investment, constitutional reform and greater devolution of power away from Westminster. He has also advocated electoral reform and replacing the House of Lords.

Angela Rayner

The former Deputy Prime Minister remains a significant figure within Labour and could attract support from the party's trade union and grassroots wings.

Rayner has been closely associated with stronger workers' rights and employment protections. She is generally viewed as being to the left of both Burnham and Streeting on economic issues and has argued for tougher action to help households facing cost-of-living pressures.

Other names in the frame

Other politicians mentioned by commentators include Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, although he is not currently viewed a leading contenders.

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Who is most likely to win?

At present, Andy Burnham appears to be the frontrunner.

Polling of Labour members conducted before Starmer's resignation consistently placed Burnham well ahead of his rivals. One survey found 47 per cent of Labour members ranked him as their first choice for leader, while another found he was the preferred candidate of 42 per cent of members.

However, Labour leadership contests can change quickly once campaigning begins, and the coming weeks are likely to see intense debate over the party's future direction after less than two years in government.

For now, Starmer will remain Prime Minister until Labour members choose his successor.