Sir Keir Starmer has held talks with Andy Burnham as efforts intensify to manage what officials are calling an “orderly” transition of power following Starmer’s decision to step down as UK Prime Minister.
The meeting, which lasted around an hour, marks the first direct discussion between the two since Burnham’s victory in last week’s Makerfield by-election. The talks come at a pivotal moment for the Labour Party, as preparations begin for a potential leadership handover that could reshape the government within weeks.
According to reports, Starmer has also authorised the start of “access talks” with civil servants for prospective Labour leadership candidates. These discussions are typically reserved for opposition parties ahead of general elections and are designed to prepare potential incoming leaders for the responsibilities of government, including national security briefings and policy coordination.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the access talks will begin “as soon as possible” and will focus on the formation of government and key policy priorities. It remains unclear whether Burnham formally requested the process, but officials say the decision to open it was made only recently as preparations for transition accelerate.
Starmer is said to have told cabinet colleagues that he wants his successor to succeed and is committed to ensuring a smooth transfer of power. He has also agreed to pause major policy decisions and significant spending commitments until a new prime minister is in place, in an effort to avoid binding the incoming leadership.
The move follows his announcement that he will stand down as prime minister after losing the support of Labour MPs, ending a tenure of less than two years. His departure has triggered intense internal discussions within Labour about the party’s future direction and leadership structure.
Andy Burnham, who has quickly emerged as the leading contender to replace Starmer, has not yet confirmed a detailed policy platform or outlined potential cabinet appointments, including who might serve as chancellor. However, he is expected to begin setting out his vision in a series of speeches starting next week, focusing on devolution, economic reform, and public services.
Burnham has pledged to stick to Labour’s existing fiscal rules and maintain commitments not to raise income tax, VAT, or National Insurance rates. At the same time, he has signalled a stronger emphasis on public ownership, council housing expansion, and industrial policy aimed at revitalising the economy.
Despite growing momentum around Burnham, some Labour MPs are calling for a contested leadership race. Figures including Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones and former armed forces minister Al Carns are being discussed as possible alternatives, though neither has formally declared a full challenge.
Concerns have also been raised within parts of the party about economic stability and market confidence, particularly regarding Burnham’s approach to taxation and spending. Jones has indicated he is not currently inclined to run but would seek assurances on fiscal policy, while Carns has not ruled out entering the contest.
As Labour navigates a rapid and unusual transition, attention now turns to whether Burnham will stand unopposed and potentially assume office within weeks, or whether a wider leadership contest will emerge to shape the party’s next chapter.
