Starmer Meets Burnham Amid Leadership Shift
Keir Starmer held discussions with Andy Burnham earlier on Tuesday. The meeting focused on how Labour will manage a smooth leadership change after Starmer confirmed he will step down as prime minister.
This was their first meeting since Burnham won the Makerfield by election. The talks lasted about an hour and were first reported by The Times.
Service Access Talks Begin
The government has now approved early access discussions with senior civil servants for potential leadership candidates. These sessions usually take place before a general election, but they are now being offered ahead of a possible leadership shift.
Officials said the talks will start soon and will take place before nominations close on 16 July. They will cover key government functions, national security briefings, and early policy planning.
Planning for an Orderly Transition
A government spokesperson said the goal is to ensure a stable and structured handover. The discussions will focus on how a new administration would form and what priorities it would set.
Starmer told cabinet members that he wants the next leader to succeed. He also said he plans to settle key issues in the coming weeks to help ease the transition.
The government has also paused major policy decisions and large spending commitments until new leadership is in place.
Burnham’s Early Position and Next Steps
Burnham has not yet published a full policy programme or named a potential cabinet team, including a possible chancellor.
He is expected to give a series of speeches in the coming weeks. The first will focus on devolution and economic policy, setting out a different approach from the current leadership style.
Although he has returned to parliament after his recent win, Burnham has already signaled continuity on fiscal discipline. He has indicated support for existing spending rules set by the current treasury leadership, suggesting no major shift in borrowing plans.
If no other candidate enters the race, he could move into the leadership role within weeks.
