Labour’s leadership race after Keir Starmer’s resignation is reshaped by former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who rules out a bid for the party leadership and backs Andy Burnham. Multiple outlets report that Streeting had earlier signalled he could challenge Starmer’s leadership, and he had discussed the number of MPs he believed would support a leadership contest. However, after Burnham declares his intention to run, Streeting publicly endorses him. The reports say Burnham’s recent victory in the Makerfield by-election last week places him in a position to challenge for the top role in government. Following Starmer’s decision to resign, Labour MPs consider options for how to proceed, including whether there should be a leadership challenge. Streeting’s statement is framed around giving Burnham an opportunity to lead and offering Labour unity rather than focusing on internal divisions. With Streeting stepping back, the leadership contest is described as less likely to include him as a rival, clearing space for Burnham’s bid. Overall, the sources describe a fast-moving transition in which endorsements and parliamentary positioning become central to Labour’s internal process.