Burnham sworn in as MP in hours after Starmer's resignation

Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield, receiving a rousing welcome from Labour colleagues in the House of Commons just hours after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as prime minister and Labour leader.

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Burnham, who won last week's Makerfield by-election by a margin of 9,000 votes over Reform UK, formally took his seat in Parliament and immediately positioned himself as a contender to succeed Starmer.

Warm Commons Welcome

The Labour politician bowed his head several times as he entered the Commons chamber and smiled as colleagues greeted him. His arrival was met with loud cheers from Labour MPs, reflecting what observers described as an exceptionally celebratory atmosphere.

Conservative former minister Desmond Swayne heckled Burnham during the swearing-in ceremony, joking: "Rome is saved."

Other MPs shouted remarks including "he's not the messiah" and "water into wine", references to the comedy film Life of Brian. Burnham responded with a smile, saying: "Naughty boy."

Around 200 Labour MPs later gathered in Westminster Hall for the traditional photograph marking a by-election winner's arrival. Senior Labour figures including Rachel Reeves, Jonathan Reynolds, Steve Reed and Nick Thomas-Symonds were among those attending. Starmer was absent from the event.

Burnham also took a selfie with the assembled MPs.

Leadership Ambitions Confirmed

Earlier in the day, Burnham confirmed he would enter the contest to replace Starmer as Labour leader.

In a statement, he praised Starmer's service and said the leadership transition should be conducted in an orderly and responsible manner. He pledged to focus on economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for younger generations.

Burnham said political change should not distract from efforts to improve people's lives and called for Labour to move forward with confidence and purpose.

His bid quickly received support from former health secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned from government last month after saying he had lost confidence in Starmer's leadership.

Farewell to Greater Manchester

Before travelling to London, Burnham said goodbye to staff at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority after stepping down as mayor.

Staff presented him with a Manchester-themed armchair embroidered with bees, a symbol of the city, alongside a depiction of the Manchester skyline. The chair also featured the phrase: "We do things differently here."

Addressing staff, Burnham thanked them "from the bottom of his heart" and became emotional as he reflected on his time in office.

He described serving as Greater Manchester mayor as the "privilege" of his life, bringing to a close a role he had held since 2017 after previously representing the neighbouring constituency of Leigh from 2001 to 2017.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 June 2026

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