Is Andy Burnham headed for a coronation as Labour leader?

Keir Starmer has announced this morning that he will step down as Prime Minister, following days of pressure and intense speculation after Andy Burnham secured victory in the Makerfield by-election.

After calls from his MPs and Cabinet ministers to set a timeline for his departure, Starmer announced on the steps of Downing Street today that he would be resigning and asked for the NEC to set out a timetable with nominations opening on 9th July. He said that would ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September and will stay on until then.

Three weeks allows minds to focus and for other Labour MPs to seek nominations and throw their hats in the ring should they want to do so.

However, should there be no challenger, Burnham could find himself in Downing Street a lot sooner, as early as July 17th.

Is Burnham headed then for a coronation as Labour leader, given the swell of support for him in the Parliamentary Labour Party? His main rival, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced today that he will row in behind Burnham, posting a letter on X to thank the Prime Minister for his service, he also wrote: “Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I’m convinced there is a place for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions.”

However others have been keen to point out the potential pitfalls of Burnham entering Downing Street without a contest, and foresee a situation where some Labour MPs could well turn on him claiming his ideas weren’t tested or that he doesn’t have a mandate to take unpopular decisions.

There are reports from some quarters that Starmer loyalists are planning a late move to block any coronation with Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones being the candidate they unite around to trigger a contest.

One Labour MP in favour of a quick resolution, told me: “I think we’ve had enough melodrama over the past month and we just need to get on with governing as soon as possible.”

Others more on the left and right of the party may well not be so keen. It remains to be seen whether the Socialist Campaign Group will attempt to put someone forward, though it is unlikely they’ll be able to clear the threshold of 81 MPs.

They say a week is a long time in politics, three weeks is even longer, it may not all go the way some may want.