World

UK's Starmer says he will stand in any leadership contest

By Reuters Reuters
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks as he visits a housing development in north London, Britain, June 19, 2026. Peter Macdiarmid/Pool via REUTERS
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer walks as he visits a housing development in north London, Britain, June 19, 2026. Peter Macdiarmid/Pool via REUTERS Peter Macdiarmid Reuters

LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday he would stand in any leadership contest, after potential rival Andy Burnham won a vote for a parliamentary seat to return to Westminster, paving the way for a challenge.

Starmer told reporters that he did not think a leadership challenge would be good for the country but he added: "If there is a contest ... then yes I will run, I will stand."

"I've said repeatedly I'm not going to walk away from that."

(Reporting by William James and Kate Holton; editing by Alistair Smout)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 4:14 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER