POLL OF THE DAY: Is it right for Andy Burnham to become the next Prime Minister without a contest?

Published: 14:46, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 14:50, 23 June 2026 Andy Burnham could be installed as Prime Minister in just three weeks, without anyone outside the constituency of Makerfield having voted for him. The self-styled 'King of the North' is on course for a 'coronation' next month after Keir Starmer dramatically resigned less than two years after his landslide election win. After Wes Streeting – seen by many as Starmer's main leadership rival outside of Burnham – opted to row in behind the former Mayor of Manchester following his resounding defeat of Reform this week, a Labour contest is looking increasingly unlikely.  Mr Burnham was given a hero's welcome by Labour MPs in the Commons on Monday, but in a well-timed heckle, a Tory MP warned them: 'He's not the Messiah!' On Monday night, Mr Burnham was scrambling to draw up a programme for government after Sir Keir set a timetable that could see him anointed Prime Minister as early as July 17. Now you can have your say in the latest Daily Mail poll – is it right Andy Burnham could become the next PM without a contest?  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.