Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation earlier today, attention has quickly turned to the question of who will succeed him as Labour leader and, ultimately, as Prime Minister. With Starmer’s departure creating a vacancy at the top of both the Party and Government, Labour now faces its first leadership contest since 2020.
The incumbent Prime Minister explained: “Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”
He also outlined the probable trajectory for selecting his replacement: “I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable, with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.”
Voting In Labour’s Leadership Contest
Unlike a general election, the wider public is not granted a say in Labour’s leadership contest. Instead, eligible members will select the Party’s next leader. Those who have maintained continuous party membership for at least six months before the ballot timetable is announced will be entitled to participate.
Labour employs an ‘Alternative Vote’ system to elect a new leader, whereby voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than 50 per cent of first-preference votes, they win outright.
However, if no contender secures a majority, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated. Their ballots are then transferred to voters’ next preference. This process of redistribution is repeated until a single candidate secures the majority of votes.
Who is Eligible to Run?
Now that Starmer has announced his resignation, Labour’s leadership election process has automatically been triggered.
To enter, candidates must be Labour MPs and secure the backing of at least 20 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, equivalent to 81 MPs. Candidates must also receive support from either 5 per cent of Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs), or a minimum of three affiliated trade unions representing 5 per cent of affiliated membership.
Which MPs Could Be in The Running to Replace Starmer?
Several figures have been linked to a leadership bid, but so far, only Andy Burnham has formally announced his candidacy. Initially, he was expected to face competition from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned from Starmer’s cabinet following Labour’s poor performance in May’s local elections.
However, Streeting has since ruled himself out of the race and endorsed Burnham’s candidacy. He claims that having spoken with Burnham, he is convinced that the former Mayor of Greater Manchester can lead a party which is “inclusive, united, and in touch with the lives of the people this party was founded to represent.”
Leadership Contest or Coronation? What to Expect in the Coming Months
In the aftermath of Starmer’s resignation, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will be responsible for overseeing Labour’s leadership election process. The body is expected to formally approve the timetable proposed by the incumbent PM, with applications opening on 9 July and concluding before Parliament rises for summer recess.
If Burnham is the only candidate to enter the leadership contest, he would automatically win. As head of the governing party, he would then be invited by the King to form a government, assuming the role of Prime Minister.
However, should other MPs throw their hats into the ring, they will begin to seek support from colleagues, CLPs, and affiliated trade unions with a view to qualifying to stand in the leadership contest. As their campaigns take shape, members can expect a series of hustings events across the country, granting prospective leaders the opportunity to set out their vision for Labour’s future.
Once nominations have closed, the ballots are issued and cast: the final stage in the process of selecting Britain’s new Prime Minister.
Photo Credit:
Featured Image: Lauren Hurley/No.10 Downing Street
In-Text Image: Andy Thornley via Flickr
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