World Leaders React to Prospect of Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister
July 13, 2026 at 01:33 PM · Updated 96d ago
Coverage
37 reports · 2 in Arabic, 35 in English · over 1916 hours
Foreign officials and state media have responded to the likelihood that Andy Burnham will become the UK's next prime minister after Keir Starmer.
- Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no British politician is likely to have a different position on Russia-UK relations than Keir Starmer's.
- France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wished Burnham well and said he hoped for as much stability as possible from the new government.
- Andy Burnham has stated his opposition to Russia's annexation of Crimea and his support for Ukraine since the 2022 full-scale invasion.
Latest developments
Subsequently, frontrunner Andy Burnham has apologized for Labour's stance on the Gaza conflict during his tenure as a senior figure. Outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned him to prepare a detailed plan for governing, cautioning that he will face immediate shocks and challenges upon entering No. 10. Meanwhile, Labour whips have pushed back against his promise of a more tolerant approach to party discipline, arguing that their role is about maintaining consensus. A defence funding shortfall of £1.2bn annually has also been identified in the government's plan, which Burnham's allies have described as an 'unexploded bomb' left by Keir Starmer.
- Andy Burnham has apologized for Labour's initial response to the Gaza war, saying the party "didn't get it right" and needs to "do better" under his leadership.
- Key adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh said Burnham would prioritize addressing the cost of living and expects those at the bottom to have more money under a Burnham government.
- Influential Labour backbenchers are calling on Burnham to restore the UK's 0.7% aid-spending target, after cuts by Keir Starmer prompted the development minister's resignation.
- Andy Burnham has secured the Labour Party leadership with 349 MP nominations and is expected to be formally confirmed on Friday, becoming prime minister on 20 July.




































