Andy Burnham has officially been sworn in as a Member of Parliament, a development that comes shortly after Keir Starmer announced his resignation as British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader.
The political transition has generated strong reactions among voters in areas where Labour has recently lost ground to Reform UK, with many residents expressing support for Starmer’s departure while remaining uncertain about what Burnham’s emergence could mean for the future.
In West Bromwich town centre, residents shared their views following Starmer’s resignation. The area reflects the broader political challenges facing Labour after Reform UK made significant gains in recent local elections.
Last month, Sandwell Council shifted from Labour control to Reform UK, ending Labour’s 47-year dominance in the local authority.
For Labour to retain power at the next general election, analysts believe the party must regain support in communities like West Bromwich.
Among those welcoming Starmer’s exit was resident Dave Holmes, who said the former prime minister’s policy reversals had undermined public confidence in his leadership.
“About time. He’s useless. He says one thing then changes his mind,” Holmes said.
“He’s bad, I don’t like him. I’ve not seen much integrity from him. But it’s not good to keep changing the prime minister. Let them have their five years.”
Another resident, Mandy Wood, described the resignation as positive news but expressed doubts about whether it would lead to meaningful political change.
“It’s brilliant,” she said.
“But nothing is going to change. I don’t like Labour, I don’t like Keir Starmer. His policies, he’s just turn around, turn around all the while.”
Others were sceptical about Burnham’s potential leadership prospects despite his growing influence within the Labour Party.
Sara Guest said: “We need a total change of government. He’s a weak leader but I don’t think Andy Burnham is going to be any better to be fair. In some ways we think he’s going to be worse, as he’s even more to the left than Keir Starmer is.”
Burnham’s return to Westminster and his swearing-in as an MP have strengthened speculation about his future role within Labour, particularly as the party begins the process of selecting a new leader following Starmer’s resignation.
With Labour facing increasing competition from Reform UK and growing voter dissatisfaction in some traditional strongholds, the leadership contest is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of the next general election.
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