Labour Leadership Transition
Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister dominates the front pages of all the morning newspapers. A photograph of a smiling Andy Burnham taking a selfie with his fellow Labour MPs inside Westminster after being sworn in appears in the Sun, the Times, the i Paper, and the Telegraph.
Both and the Times report that Burnham will begin outlining policies next week with a series of speeches, starting with the economy and devolution. The Financial Times has spoken to officials who indicate Burnham is also set to "read" defence and security briefings to prepare for some of Whitehall's "most sensitive issues".
The Times adds that Burnham is expected to select his chancellor from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The paper notes that Burnham has not yet made a decision but aims to avoid appearing "factional" in his cabinet appointments.
Reactions and Political Commentary
Several papers highlight a comment from a Tory MP who shouted "He's not the Messiah" as Andy Burnham returned to the Commons. The Daily Mail's headline, "Messiah without a Mandate," references the possibility that Burnham may become prime minister without facing a challenge. The Telegraph suggests Burnham's response, that he was "just a naughty boy," contributes to his popularity within Labour. The paper's columnist Tim Stanley states,
"Compared with Keir Starmer, he's the king of bants."
Sir Keir Starmer's Resignation and Legacy
features Sir Keir with his head tilted down, standing at the podium delivering his resignation speech in front of a blurred No 10 door, captioned "Starmer bows out... as Burnham swoops in." The paper notes that the prime minister "announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers."
The Daily Mirror reflects on Sir Keir's tenure, describing him as a "decent man" who "tried his very best in an almost impossible job." It highlights that he "stood up to Trump, lifted half a million kids out of poverty, protected workers and renters," while acknowledging that "the failures were glaring... and magnified in our angry, divided world."
The Daily Telegraph describes Sir Keir's resignation speech outside No 10 as "emotional," leaving the prime minister on the "verge of tears." It reports that he accepted "with 'good grace' the calls from ministers and Labour MPs for him to step down." The paper also mentions a scorching heatwave sweeping across the UK, headlining "Schools closed amid heatwave power alert," and reporting warnings from grid operators that "a prolonged spell of hot weather could trigger blackouts as wildfires damage power lines."
Labour Leadership Contest and Prospects
The Financial Times reports that "Starmer's exit clears way for Burnham," with Labour leadership nominations closing on 16 July. The paper explains that "if there is no contest" there would instead be a "coronation" for Burnham, who is currently the only MP to have declared candidacy for Labour Party leader.
The Times, leading with Burnham's viral selfie, states the newly elected MP "will use a speech next week to pledge to expand the economy and commit himself to Labour's fiscal rules" as he prepares to become "Britain's seventh prime minister in the space of a decade." While Wes Streeting has withdrawn from the contest, the paper reports that the chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, "is considering standing for the leadership to trigger a contest even if he has no chance of winning."
The Sun's headline, "He think it's all over," is displayed over the Burnham selfie, noting that Andy Burnham "could become Prime Minister on the eve of the World Cup final."
The Independent uses the headline "Regime change" under a composite image of Sir Keir and Burnham, visually depicting a transfer of power. The paper includes comment from Labour minister Mike Tapp, who says,
"it's time for a general election."
The Daily Star writes over Burnham's "Hollywood-style selfie,"
"Now put yer money where yer mouth is,"adding: "King of the North and South."
The Daily Express notes "Starmer finally falls on his sword" and suggests "Britain faces a lurch to the left under Burnham." It is the only paper to lead with the 10-year anniversary of the UK's referendum to leave the European Union, launching a campaign urging politicians to "give us a proper Brexit" and "deliver the will of the people" a decade on.
Heatwave Impact
The heatwave is a prominent topic across all papers. With only the second red heat health alert ever issued, in place for tomorrow and Thursday, warns passengers that many rail companies are advising travel only if absolutely essential. The paper explains that extreme temperatures can cause steel rails to expand, increasing the risk of overhead wires breaking and overheating of signalling and electrical systems.
Art Theft Discovery
The Daily Mail reveals that a stolen Picasso painting valued at £13 million was discovered during a routine drug bust in Paris. The painting has been authenticated as genuine, and a guard at a Paris firm that stores valuable art has been charged with theft and drug offences.
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