Key Facts

• Sir Keir Starmer announced his planned departure from Downing Street, setting a timetable for his successor, with Andy Burnham now considered the frontrunner to replace him.
• Burnham, who was not a parliamentary candidate in the last general election and was not an MP this time last week, could become prime minister by next month, sparking concerns among some Labour MPs about his readiness for the role.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves, a close ally of Sir Keir, may face uncertainty about her future in government, with some speculating that Wes Streeting could replace her, although Streeting has denied being offered the job by Burnham.
• Burnham's popularity is seen as a key factor in his current magnetism, particularly after his success in winning a by-election against Reform UK in a part of the country where the party performed well in recent local elections.
• Burnham has outlined broad policy goals, including economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation, but faces intense scrutiny to provide more detail on how he plans to deliver on these promises.