Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 22, 2026 · 20 MIN

Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power

from The State of It

Andy Burnham could be prime minister within weeks after Keir Starmer's resignation. He may now need to build a government before the World Cup final. This is where the real trade-offs start. How long can Andy Burnham's hopey, changey, Northern Soul vibes last in Downing Street? There's already an almighty row going on over who will be his chancellor.Also today, where did all go wrong for Keir Starmer and what did Labour MPs think of his resignation speech?Wes Streeting has said he will not contest Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership, but are there any other possible candidates for the leadership contest?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessProducers: Harry Kitson, Euan DawtreyPicture credit: Getty ImagesAudio: Reuters00:00 — Starmer’s Resignation: The Total Lack of Contrition00:48 — A Surreal Timeline: Six Prime Ministers in a Decade01:56 — The Emotional Exit vs. The Bitter Backroom Reality03:04 — Where It Went Wrong: Sins of Tone & Policy U-Turns04:30 — The Brutal Verdict: "He Wasn't Up To It"05:47 — Outsourcing Power: Sue Gray, McSweeney, and Rachel Reeves08:46 — Enter Andy Burnham: Can He Rebrand the Labour Party?11:36 — Ed Miliband vs. The Financial Markets14:31 — Team Burnham's Impossible Economic Trade-offs16:36 — Will the Gloss Wear Off? The Unforgiving Spotlight of No. 1018:24 — Legitimacy Crisis: Nigel Farage Demands an Early Election20:06 — The Whitehall Machine in Total ChaosThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 22, 2026

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Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power

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