Keir Starmer will be stepping down as prime minister of the United Kingdom after only two years at No. 10 and leader of the Labour Party. Andy Burnham stands to replace him as the new PM. The prime minister announced his resignation in the early hours of June 20 June 2026.

In his speech, he says he “inherited a labour party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt.” He took pride in sharing the “achievements” of the labour party during his time at No. 10. These included a stronger economy; increase in wages against inflation; decline in NHS waiting times; protecting young children from social media and more. Despite his success, Starmer admitted his party’s dissatisfaction with him and their cry for a new leader. He has promised to give his successor his “full and unequivocal support” and will ensure an orderly handover. He closed the announcement on a morose note and will now bide his time focusing on his family.

Internal Unrest over Starmer

There was declining confidence over Starmer’s ability to lead the Labour Party to victory. More than 70 members of parliament (MPs) called for his resignation, while some other ministers asked him to put a plan in place to allow for a “dignified, orderly” transition. The prime minister stood strong in the face of resistance, claiming he knew he had doubters, but was ready to prove them wrong. But only a month after, Starmer conceded to the wishes of the naysayers and resigned as Labour party leader.

The Labour Party cited many reasons for their loss of hope in Starmer. A major reason was the disappointing results of the local elections. All over the United Kingdom, the Labour Party reported great losses in the May elections, losing more than 30 councils in England, and roughly 1500 councillors losing their seats. In addition, many shared frustrations over his reshuffling of the cabinet. An unnamed public figure stated “talented people were sacked, and Starmer made them feel as though they were the problem, when it’s always been about his lack of vision.” A more controversial reason was his appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador despite his connection to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A New PM for Britain?

Moving forward, the Labour party is preparing for a new leader who will also serve as the country’s prime minister. The only contender is Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield from 18 June 2026. The MP was the Mayor of Great Manchester from 2017 up until recently. His most notable accomplishments in Manchester are the transformation of the transport system, the Bee Network. He is also lauded for standing up against the Conservative government for their treatment of the North of England during Covid19. This earned him the nickname “King of the North.”

Over 74 percent of Labour members believe the Labour party could win the general election under Burnham’s leadership. Wes Streeting was once considered as a potential replacement for Starmer. However, after his resignation from cabinet as Health Secretary, he has thrown his full backing behind Burnham. Burnham will most likely be installed as prime minister in a few weeks as there no other options. 

An excited Burnham shared his ecomonic plans for Britain this morning; the salient of them is setting up a No. 10 North in Manchester to support his plan for devolution of power from Westminster.

What does this mean for the church?

With this transition, the relevant question now is “how will this change impact the church?”

As mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham took on initiatives which sought to include faith organisations, such as the Faith and BeliefAdvisory Panel. The panel ensures input from faith communities are considered when designing policies on discrimination and inequality in the society. He also signed the Greater Manchester Faith, Belief and Interfaith Covenant alongside other religious leaders which would ensure collaboration on important issues. Burnham’s stance is that faith communities and religious organisations are important pillars in the community.

Burnham’s views seem hopeful for the church, but in the end her confidence must come from the Lord and not a man. The bible in Daniel 2:21 says that “And He changes times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” It also says in Proverbs 21:1 “The King’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He pleases.” These scriptures establish God’s sovereignty over the leadership of the United Kingdom. Ultimately, the Lord has the final say, but the church must play her role by interceding for the new prime minister of the United Kingdom to come in alignment with God’s will and to rule with wisdom.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2