UK Labour MP Andy Burnham launches leadership bid after Starmer resignation

LONDON — Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced on Monday that he will run for the leadership of the UK Labour Party and the prime ministership, hours after Sir Keir Starmer said he would step down. In a social media post, Burnham thanked Starmer for his service and said the transition required an orderly process. Burnham said Britain wanted stability, seriousness and a focus on substantive issues. He set out priorities including economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for a new generation, arguing that political change should not distract from the responsibility to improve people's lives. He added that the Labour movement has been strongest at moments when it looked to the future with confidence. Starmer, who became prime minister after Labour's general election victory, said on Monday he was resigning and would oversee a smooth handover, with a new leader in place by September. No further details on the timetable were immediately available.