Andy Burnham emerges as frontrunner for UK Labour PM, apologizes for Gaza stance

Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become the next UK Prime Minister, following the resignation of Keir Starmer in June 2026. Nominations for the Labour Party leadership officially opened on July 9, 2026, with Burnham securing overwhelming support from Labour Members of Parliament, effectively making him the only declared candidate in the contest. He is widely anticipated to be confirmed as Labour leader by July 17 and assume the role of Prime Minister by July 20.

In a significant move, Burnham has also issued an apology for the Labour Party's initial response to the conflict in Gaza, stating that the party "didn't get it right" and needs to "do better." He emphasized the "unbearable suffering" in Gaza as a "scar on our collective conscience" and pledged that a future Labour government would adopt a tougher stance towards Israel, including considering further sanctions on Israeli settlers and banning trade with illegal settlements.