Andy Burnham has moved a step closer to Downing Street after holding private talks with Sir Keir Starmer as Labour prepares for a possible change of prime minister within weeks.
The meeting, which was held away from No 10, came after Starmer announced he would step down and after Burnham returned to Parliament by winning the Makerfield by-election. Reports said the two men met for about an hour, with the discussion seen as part of efforts to manage a smooth transfer of power. The Guardian also reported that Burnham and Starmer met away from Downing Street to discuss the transition.
Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is now the clear favourite to succeed Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister. His return to Westminster has changed the shape of Labour politics, with several senior figures moving quickly to support him and others weighing whether to force a contest. AP reported that Burnham is the strong front-runner and could become prime minister by July 17 if he is the only candidate.
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Andy Burnham Set for Civil Service Briefings
The transition has also moved into Whitehall. Starmer has approved Civil Service access talks for “prospective candidates” in the Labour leadership race. These talks are normally held before a change of government or prime minister so that an incoming leader can understand urgent national issues before taking office.
Downing Street said the process would be coordinated through the Cabinet Secretary. Alliance News reported that the access talks would begin as Starmer seeks to make the transfer of power “as easy as possible” for his successor.
The briefings could cover sensitive areas of government, including security matters, although the full scope has not been made public. For Burnham, the talks are a major sign that Whitehall is preparing for the real possibility of a new prime minister before the summer recess.
Labour Timetable Points to July 17
A leaked Labour timetable suggests the next leader could be confirmed at a special conference on July 17. Under the plan, Labour MPs would make nominations between July 9 and July 15, with a hustings event before affiliate nominations from unions and other groups. PoliticsHome reported that Labour is planning a special conference on July 17, where Burnham is widely expected to be confirmed if the process goes his way.
The same report said Burnham would still need support from Labour MPs and affiliated groups, even if no one stands against him. That means his move to No 10 is not automatic, but the political momentum is strongly behind him.
Wes Streeting has already backed Burnham, while other senior Labour figures have signalled support. Bridget Phillipson has also ruled herself out of the race and endorsed Burnham. However, former Armed Forces minister Al Carns has not fully closed the door on a challenge, and some Labour voices have warned against a “coronation” without debate.
Defence Plan Could Become First Test
One of the first major issues facing the next prime minister is defence spending. Starmer wants to settle the long-delayed defence investment plan before he leaves office, but allies of Burnham are reported to believe such a major decision should be left to the incoming leader.
The plan is politically sensitive because it affects military funding, public spending and Britain’s position before the next Nato summit. Alliance News reported that Downing Street has said no major new policy decisions or spending pledges will be made during the transition, although the defence investment plan remains one of the issues Starmer wants to resolve.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said defence should be Burnham’s first priority if he enters Downing Street. Business leaders are also watching closely, with some warning that uncertainty over leadership, taxes and spending could slow investment during the summer.
For Starmer, the focus is now on leaving office without deepening divisions inside Labour. For Burnham, the challenge is bigger: he must show that his popularity in Manchester can become a national plan for government.
If he reaches No 10 in July, he will inherit a restless Labour Party, pressure over defence and welfare, questions over the economy, and a public that has seen another prime minister leave office early. His private meeting with Starmer may have been quiet, but it has pushed Britain closer to another major political handover.
