Starmer bows out ... as Burnham swoops in

Burnham could become prime minister by 16 July as momentum grows. | Miliband may be next chancellor as Burnham starts to draw up policy plans.

- Pippa Crerar, Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot

Keir Starmer finally bowed to intense pressure to stand down yesterday as he conceded that he was no longer the right man to lead the country, leaving Andy Burnham all but certain to succeed him as prime minister.

In an extraordinary day at Westminster, Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among Labour MPs and cabinet ministers, many of them unnerved by the threat from Reform UK before the next general election.

As the new MP for Makerfield made his way by train to Westminster, it became increasingly likely he would be crowned Labour leader without a contest, giving him just over three weeks to prepare for government.

After Wes Streeting confirmed that he would not challenge him for the top job, the focus among jubilant Labour MPs turned to Burnham’s policy agenda, his plans to take on Nigel Farage’s party, and who might be in his first cabinet. With his platform beginning to take shape, the Guardian understands that:

• Burnham will begin to set out likely policies next week with a series of speeches to demonstrate a big symbolic shift from Starmer’s government, starting with the economy and devolution.

• He is considering appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor to challenge Treasury orthodoxy but has not made a final decision. Sources said Burnham was aware of the potential hostility of business and unions to the move, but could be willing to make the argument.

• Shabana Mahmood is expected to stay at the Home Office after Burnham praised the home secretary for “facing up” to the big issues on immigration during the byelection campaign.