Would Andy Burnham improve Labour's electoral prospects over Keir Starmer?

Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader and Prime Minister on 22 June 2026 amid poor polling and internal pressure. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, won a by-election to enter Parliament and is the clear frontrunner to succeed him, with a new poll showing Labour would still win most seats under his leadership. Burnham is praised for his record on regional transport and welfare in Manchester but has faced criticism over living standards there and plans to continue certain Starmer-era policies like social media restrictions for under-16s.