KEIR STARMER has resigned as Prime Minister, triggering a scramble for the keys to Number 10.
After weeks of political backstabbing, Sir Keir admitted his time is up, leaving the Labour Party rushing to crown a new leader.
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Andy Burnham with Labour Party colleagues in Westminster Hall as he returned to the House of Commons to take up his seat after winning the Makerfield by-election Credit: PA
Keir Starmer speaking to the media outside 10 Downing Street to announce his resignation Credit: AP
And the “King of the North” Andy Burnham is already eyeing up the throne.
Insiders and political pundits currently expect him to take power in a frictionless, lightning-fast takeover, but Westminster is on a knife-edge.
Will it be a swift coronation for the new Makerfield MP, or are we headed for a drawn out summer showdown?
Here are the critical dates you need to know in the race for Downing Street.
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When do nominations open in the race to replace Keir Starmer?
The Labour leadership contest will officially begin on Thursday, July 9, when formal nominations open.
Sir Keir has ordered Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to draw up a rapid timetable to avoid weeks of political paralysis.
What’s the earliest we could have a new Prime Minister?
If Burnham’s path to Prime Minister remains unblocked as is currently expected, Britain could have a brand-new PM by Friday, July 17.
Parliament breaks for its summer recess on July 16, and if Burnham’s is the only name on the ballot, the crown will be handed over immediately.
He could technically be walking through the famous black door as Prime Minister the very next day, though it’s more likely to be the following Monday (July 20).
What’s the latest we could have a new PM?
While Burnham’s allies are pushing for a smooth transition, a couple of potential spoilers could still block his path.
Cabinet bigwig Darren Jones, a key ally of Starmer, is reportedly being urged by panicked MPs loyal to the former Prime Minister to run.
And former Royal Marines officer Al Carns is also mulling over a bid. He says that Labour needs to “move from the politics which talk through the tactics and actually think about the strategy.”
Both will need to make up their minds before the July 9 before throwing their names into the hat.
If a rival brave enough to challenge Burnham does step up, the timeline stretches right through summer.
If a months-long member vote is triggered, the final deadline for the process to wrap up is late August.
Tuesday, September 1 is the hard deadline when Parliament returns from recess. A brand-new PM will absolutely be standing at the dispatch box by then.
Starmer hugs his wife Victoria after announcing his resignation as UK Prime Minister Credit: Getty
Andy Burnham celebrates after his swearing-in as Labour MP for Makerfield at the Houses of Parliament Credit: Getty
Will Keir Starmer stay on as Prime Minister?
Whatever happens, Sir Keir has promised to keep the seat warm until a new leader has been named.
In his resignation statement, he said he will remain as Prime Minister to ensure an “orderly handover.”
The critical dates we know so far:
July 9: Official nominations open for the role of Labour Party leader.
July 16: The Commons summer recess begins. If there is only one candidate put forward a new PM could be crowned before this summer break.
End of August: But if a battle breaks out between multiple hopefuls, the final vote will be wrapped up by late August.
September 1: Parliament returns from recess with a brand-new PM at the dispatch box.
