Starmer is stepping down - what could happen next?

Starmer is stepping down - what could happen next?26 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePaul SeddonPolitical reporterReutersSir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour leader, heralding the end of his time in 10 Downing Street.He has said he will stay on as UK prime minister until his successor is in place.Here's what could happen next.When might a new leader be selected?We haven't had the official timetable yet for the coming Labour leadership contest – the party says it will be agreed "shortly".But Sir Keir said he would ask Labour's ruling National Executive Committee that nominations for a new leader open on 9 July, closing on 16 July when Parliament begins its summer recess.Labour's rulebook says that contenders have to be nominated by 81 Labour MPs to stand, limiting the potential pool of candidates to four.They also have to win the support of at least 32 of Labour's 634 local branches, or three organisations affiliated to the party (including two trade unions).Once this window closes, contenders who have reached the nomination threshold would face a vote among party members and affiliated trade union supporters.This would likely be accompanied by a series of party hustings and TV debates taking place over the summer, as contenders make their pitch.Sir Keir says that if this is the case, a new leader should be in place by the time Parliament returns from its summer break on 1 September.Will there be a vote?But as things stand, it is not at all clear whether such a vote will be needed.Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, whose election as MP for Makerfield last week cleared a path for him to launch a leadership bid, has confirmed he will be putting himself forward.However, former health secretary Wes Streeting, seen as a potential leadership rival, has ruled himself out and thrown his weight behind Burnham.Other potential contenders, including former deputy leader Angela Rayner, are yet to say...