Burnham latest: PM hopeful meets Starmer in secret as he prepares to run for Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer and Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham held an hour-long “off site” meeting on June 23, 2026, to coordinate an “orderly transition” of power. According to Downing Street, Burnham and other prospective leadership candidates will receive government briefings to prepare for office following Starmer’s resignation announcement on Monday.

The meeting marks the first time the two men have spoken since Mr. Burnham’s by-election victory in Makerfield, which allowed his return to Westminster. Starmer told his Cabinet during a Tuesday morning meeting that he intends to make the transition “as easy as possible” for his successor.

How will the leadership transition be managed?

Downing Street confirmed that no “major” new policy decisions or spending pledges will be made during the transition period. Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to agree on specific priorities with cabinet secretary dame Antonia Romeo in the coming days.

The prime minister stated he would “seek to resolve difficult issues” in the coming weeks to support the next leader. He told his cabinet that he “wanted whoever became the next prime minister to succeed,” according to the official readout.

Did You Know? Chancellor Rachel Reeves has nominated former Bank of England rate-setter Jonathan Haskel to lead the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), replacing Richard Hughes who resigned last December after forecasts were inadvertently released early.

Why is the Defence Investment Plan causing friction?

While most major policies are frozen, Starmer intends to finalize the Defence Investment Plan (Dip) before leaving office. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy both vowed the plan would be published before the Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7.

This timeline may create tension between the outgoing and incoming leadership. The Times reported that allies of Andy Burnham believe the decision regarding the Dip should fall to the next leader rather than the current prime minister.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the push to publish the Defence Investment Plan before the Nato summit represents a strategic attempt by Starmer to secure a legacy of stability. However, by preempting the next leader’s authority on a critical security document, the administration risks creating an immediate policy clash for Burnham upon taking office.

Who might be affected by cabinet changes?

Political correspondents suggest a potential “wholesale change” in the cabinet under Andy Burnham. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, a close ally of Starmer, is widely expected to move to the backbenches.

“Great NEWS!” | Starmer Steps Down as PM While Burnham Emerges as Labour's Favourite

Speculation also indicates that welfare secretary Pat McFadden and housing secretary Steve Reed could be replaced. Tech secretary Liz Kendall is considered unlikely to hold a role in a Burnham cabinet, while foreign secretary Yvette Cooper may survive a cull but could be moved to a different position.

Will there be a general election?

There is no constitutional requirement for a general election to occur when a prime minister changes. However, some figures are currently arguing that a vote should be held in the next few months.

Whether a general election is called remains a possible next step, as some prime ministers have historically decided to hold elections shortly after entering No 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nato summit taking place?
The summit begins on July 7 in Ankara, Turkey.

Who is Jonathan Haskel?
He is a former Bank of England rate-setter (2018-2024) nominated by Rachel Reeves to be the chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility.

What is the Defence Investment Plan (Dip)?
It is a government strategy for defence spending that has been delayed for months due to internal funding disputes.

Do you believe a change in prime minister should automatically trigger a general election?