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By Alia Shoaib
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Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British prime minister and Labour leader on Monday, paving the way for a leadership contest that could see Andy Burnham emerge as his successor.
The Greater Manchester mayor, a popular Labour Party figure, returned to Parliament with a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election last week, removing a key obstacle to a potential bid to become Britain’s next prime minister.
If Burnham ultimately succeeds Starmer, his previous comments about President Donald Trump could raise questions about the future of the U.K.-U.S. relationship.
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Burnham has previously warned about the "poisonous" nature of American-style politics and said Trump has brought "instability" to the U.S. and the world.
Newsweek contacted the White House for comment via email on Friday.
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Trump Brings 'Instability' to US and World
Speaking during the final days of the Makerfield campaign on June 13, Burnham warned Britain against moving toward what he described as a more polarized style of politics.
"Politics is getting more polarized. And the path we're on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America," he said. "A polarized, poisonous politics where people in communities don't work together anymore."
Although Burnham did not mention Trump by name, the comments came as he framed his campaign as an alternative to political polarization he has associated with both Trump-era U.S. politics and the rise of Reform UK in Britain.
Burnham won 55 percent of the vote, defeating Reform candidate Robert Kenyon, whose party—led by longtime Trump ally Nigel Farage—won 35 percent in the Makerfield contest.
Last year, Burnham was more explicit when discussing the implications of Trump's reelection and the rise of the populist Right.
"I think we now have to have a real debate about what that means and the instability that [former British Prime Minister] Liz Truss brought to Britain, I think Trump is bringing to the U.S. and the world," Burnham told The London Economic.
He added that while you have to “respect the vote" in the U.S., it “shouldn't mean you don't open your eyes to what could be really challenging and difficult issues and things that could polarize people further.”
At the same time, Burnham has argued that politicians should understand why Trump resonated with many voters rather than simply dismissing his support.
In their 2024 book Head North, Burnham and Liverpool City Mayor Steve Rotheram wrote that "whether we like it or not, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have been effective in connecting with people who feel politicians have neglected the place where they live."
They argued that the “new radical Right” in both countries has exploited alienation caused by inequality and what they described as an “out-of-touch left-progressive establishment” that has failed to address working-class concerns.
Burnham's comments contrast with Starmer's more pragmatic approach to Trump since becoming prime minister. While Labour politicians have historically been more critical of Trump than many Conservatives, Starmer has largely avoided direct confrontation and emphasized cooperation with Washington.
Starmer has nevertheless found himself at odds with Trump recently, particularly when the U.S. president criticized him for perceived lack of support during the Iran war.
A Burnham premiership would not necessarily mean a break with the U.S., but his more openly critical comments about Trump's political style could mark a different tone from Starmer's approach.
A Potential Leadership Challenge
Burnham's Makerfield victory is significant because it removes a major obstacle to a potential leadership bid.
The former health secretary has spent nearly a decade outside Parliament serving as Greater Manchester mayor, making him one of Labour's most recognizable regional leaders but previously leaving him unable to challenge for the party leadership.
The by-election was triggered after a Labour MP stepped down to allow Burnham to contest the seat. Burnham's decisive victory has fueled speculation that he could be a frontrunner to succeed Starmer.
What Happens Next
Burnham will be sworn in as an MP in Parliament on Monday. He has not formally announced a leadership bid, but is widely expected to.
Starmer said he has asked Labour’s National Executive Committee to set out a timetable for the leadership contest, with nominations to open on July 9 and the process expected to conclude before Parliament’s summer recess.
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