Who is Andy Burnham, the man likely to replace British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his resignation?

Key Points:

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation following public dissatisfaction with the economy and immigration policies, promising an orderly transition with a new leader expected by September.
• Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Manchester and recent winner of the Makerfield by-election, is widely viewed as Starmer's likely successor, having secured a key Labour stronghold that had been vulnerable to right-wing populist parties.
• Burnham is known for advocating regional devolution and representing northern England’s post-industrial communities, contrasting with Starmer’s technocratic style, though his stance on immigration and Brexit has shifted recently, causing some criticism.
• If Burnham becomes prime minister, he would be the seventh leader in a decade to assume the role without a general election, relying on Labour's parliamentary majority until the next scheduled election by 2027.
• While other potential successors like Wes Streeting existed, his quick endorsement of Burnham has consolidated support around the former Manchester mayor as the new Labour leader.