Andy Burnham wants change to define his leadership

After a revolving door of prime ministers, UK voters might want a break from the past

    • It is unclear how much Andy Burnham's popularity in north-west England, home to Manchester, will extend to other areas of the UK.
    • It is unclear how much Andy Burnham's popularity in north-west England, home to Manchester, will extend to other areas of the UK. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Published Wed, Jun 24, 2026 · 06:00 PM

    THERE is a saying, apocryphally attributed to Albert Einstein, that goes: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

    As the race to succeed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer heats up, that quote may well be on the mind of Labour MPs seeking to replace him.

    Starmer is now the sixth prime minister to head out of office since the 2016 Brexit referendum, whose 10th anniversary occurred on Tuesday (Jun 23).