The latest Andy Burnham news, headlines and analysis from The NE Times.
Reform UK called immediately for a general election and the Conservatives went on the attack, while Labour figures lined up behind the frontrunner to succeed the departing Prime Minister.
With Sir Keir staying on as caretaker, attention turns to the rules of the Labour leadership contest, the role of the King, and the timetable that will decide who enters No 10.
With Reform UK leading the polls, Nigel Farage claimed to have 'deposed' Sir Keir Starmer and declared he is not frightened of Andy Burnham or any Labour successor.
Sir Keir Starmer's successor will inherit a Commons majority but no personal mandate — and the frontrunner has already left the door to an early general election ajar.
The Greater Manchester mayor is the clear favourite as voters go to the polls in a contest seen as the launchpad for a Labour leadership challenge.
Andy Burnham is seeking a return to the Commons on 18 June, and victory would clear his path to challenge the Prime Minister for the Labour leadership.
A by-election engineered to give Andy Burnham a seat in the Commons could prove decisive for both his ambitions and Starmer's survival.