What happens if Keir Starmer resigns – and would it trigger a general election?

These words may have sounded impossible only months ago, but the mayor of Greater Manchester will now represent Makerfield in Parliament.

These words may have sounded impossible only months ago, but the mayor of Greater Manchester will now represent Makerfield in Parliament.

Burnham easily defeated a field of more than a dozen candidates – including Reform – after securing 24,937 votes in yesterday’s by-election.

Becoming an MP is a pivotal step in his plans to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party – and the country.

Sir Keir has clung to power since his party lost more than 1,400 councillors in May, a damning indictment of its drooping popularity among voters.

Close to 100 Labour MPs have called on the PM to hand back the keys to Number 10, with his refusal pushing some cabinet ministers to quit.

The UK also must have a Prime Minister at all times. So if Starmer was to offer his resignation, he would need to lead until a replacement is found.

Secondly, anyone can technically be a PM – yes, even a giant fox or some guy with a bin over his head.

This is why a leadership election – automatically triggered when a leader quits – is usually how the UK winds up with a new prime minister

This can take several weeks, meaning the sitting PM may remain in office for a while.

Let’s say Starmer steps down right this second, what then? First, Labour MPs will put themselves forward as Starmer’s potential replacements.

All Labour MPs will then vote to whittle down the options until two candidates remain.

At this point, Labour Party members will vote to choose their new leader, who will automatically become Prime Minister.