When could the new prime minister begin their term if Keir Starmer steps down?

If Keir Starmer decides to resign, the immediate question is timing: at what point would his successor take over at the head of government?

Within the Labour Party, there is a growing belief that there could be a “coronation,” which would mean Andy Burnham remained the sole candidate.

Some of the most senior figures close to Burnham’s camp believe he should take control around the time of the Labour Party’s annual conference, at the end of September. In their view, this would give him more time to prepare for government and would ensure he could get straight to work if he becomes prime minister.

However, other key supporters of the former Mayor of Greater Manchester see this timetable as too slow. They warn that a three-month transition period could paralyse the government, as speculation over Burnham’s concrete plans for government could turn into a frenzied wave of conjecture.

At present, the greatest weight in this debate rests with Starmer himself. He may feel so irritated by the way he has been treated by Labour Party MPs that he chooses to leave as quickly as possible; or, on the contrary, he may see value in using the coming months to push forward certain policies that he regards as essential to his legacy.