Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister after less than two years in office dominates Tuesday's UK front pages, but many newspapers are already turning their attention to Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and presumptive successor.
Guardian: 'Starmer bows out … as Burnham sweeps in'
The Guardian leads with an image of Starmer delivering his resignation speech, accompanied by the headline 'Starmer bows out … as Burnham sweeps in'. Columnist Jonathan Freedland examines the prime minister's rapid fall from grace, questioning how a man who won a landslide victory in July 2024 could be pushed out less than two years later, 'having started no illegal wars, having triggered no grave economic crises, having been accused of no scandalous act of corruption.'
Mirror: 'Out of time'
The Mirror's front page features an image of Starmer and his wife, Victoria, under the headline 'Out of time'. The paper acknowledges his achievements—'He stood up to Trump, lifted half a million kids out of poverty, protected workers and renters'—before conceding that 'failures were glaring'. It concludes: 'In the end a decent man tried his very best in an almost impossible job …'
Times: 'Burnham angles for power'
The Times contrasts an image of Starmer at the podium outside No 10 with one of Burnham taking a selfie in Westminster surrounded by Labour MPs. The headline reads 'Burnham angles for power', adding that the former mayor of Manchester could be prime minister by 'next month'.
i: 'Prime Minister in three weeks'
The i takes a similar line with the headline 'Prime Minister in three weeks: Burnham arrives for coronation', signaling the swift transition expected.
Daily Mail: 'Messiah without a mandate'
The Mail's headline declares ''Messiah' without a mandate', citing a poll of its readers showing 89% believe Burnham should 'go to the ballot box' and call an early election.
Telegraph: 'Coronation' and calls for early election
The Telegraph describes Burnham's ascent as a 'coronation' and reports on Nigel Farage's calls for an early election. Columnist Tim Stanley writes under the headline 'He's not the Messiah, but a naughty boy is exactly what Labour wants'.
Financial Times: 'Starmer's exit clears way for Burnham'
The Financial Times splashes with 'Starmer's exit clears way for Burnham', but inside, executive editor notes that 'Burnham has done the easy part, but the challenges remain the same'.
Sun: 'He thinks it's all over … an it definitely is for Starmer'
The Sun notes that Burnham could become prime minister on the eve of the World Cup final under the current schedule. Characterizing the events as 'Burnham's No10 coup', the paper runs the headline 'He thinks it's all over … an it definitely is for Starmer'.
Express: Marks 10th anniversary of Brexit vote
The Express uses its front page to mark the 10th anniversary of Britain voting to leave the EU, with the headline 'Give us a proper Brexit'. Noting the anniversary coincides with the loss of another prime minister, the paper calls on politicians to 'deliver the will of the people' and 'believe in Brexit'.
Daily Record: 'It all ends in Keirs'
Scotland's Daily Record notes that Britain is set for its 'seventh PM in just 10 years', under the headline: 'It all ends in Keirs'.
