Key facts
- A POLITICO Poll reveals that 54% of UK adults believe a leadership contest should occur rather than Andy Burnham being immediately appointed Labour leader and prime minister.
- Only 20% of UK adults supported Burnham being immediately made Labour leader.
- In head-to-head matchups, 61% of respondents favored Burnham as prime minister, compared to 39% for Keir Starmer.
- 41% of UK adults felt the Makerfield by-election outcome should not determine the next prime minister.
- Key reasons cited for preferring a leadership contest include fairness, allowing for proper debate, and enabling other candidates to run.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, paving the way for Andy Burnham, who recently won the Makerfield by-election, to potentially become the next leader of the country. However, a POLITICO Poll conducted by Public First indicates a division among UK voters regarding the selection process.
While a majority of adults (54 percent) believe there should be a leadership contest, even if it prolongs the period without a confirmed prime minister, only 1 in 5 adults supported Burnham being immediately appointed Labour leader. This sentiment holds across party lines, with 57 percent of Labour voters favoring a contest.
The poll results suggest that voters are eager for new leadership, showing dissatisfaction with Starmer's handling of issues like the economy and immigration. In head-to-head matchups, Burnham was favored over Starmer by 61 percent to 39 percent. Despite this preference, a significant portion of the electorate is uncomfortable with an uncontested transfer of power.
Respondents cited fairness, the opportunity for proper debate, and the chance for other candidates to run as primary reasons for supporting a full leadership election. Conversely, advantages of an immediate appointment for Burnham included avoiding a lengthy contest and allowing the government to continue its work. Labour voters also noted that an immediate appointment could make the party appear more decisive.
Burnham faces political challenges regarding his mandate, with opponents questioning his democratic legitimacy. Options for securing a mandate include calling a general election, though this is unlikely until 2029 and carries risks for Labour's parliamentary majority. The current path suggests Burnham may become prime minister by July 17 if he is the sole contender.