The Guardian view on Labour’s leadership: Andy Burnham has a story. He must also have a plan | Editorial

<p>Keir Starmer won power but never explained Britain’s crisis. The new MP for Makerfield offers a sharper diagnosis – and one that voters can understand</p><p>Political careers often end when circumstances demand qualities that a politician cannot supply. That&nbsp;seems especially true of Sir Keir Starmer. On Monday, he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/22/keir-starmer-resigns-as-prime-minister">stepped</a> down as Labour leader, hours before Andy&nbsp;Burnham arrived at Westminster to take his seat&nbsp;as MP for Makerfield.</p><p>Sir Keir’s achievements were real. He won a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/05/the-guardian-view-on-labours-landslide-becoming-the-change-the-country-needs">large parliamentary majority in 2024</a>, provided more cash for the NHS and was steadfast in his support of Ukraine. He undoubtedly restored a measure of seriousness after years of Tory psychodrama. But the&nbsp;2024 victory was always more brittle than it seemed: <a href="https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-10009/CBP-10009.pdf">Labour’s vote actually fell from 2019</a> and Nigel&nbsp;Farage’s decision to stand candidates in 2024 fractured rightwing votes. Sir&nbsp;Keir won power; he did&nbsp;not change the political weather.</p><p><em><strong>Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tone/letters"> letters</a> section, please <a href="mailto:guardian.letters@theguardian.com?body=Please%20include%20your%20name,%20full%20postal%20address%20and%20phone%20number%20with%20your%20letter%20below.%20Letters%20are%20usually%20published%20with%20the%20author%27s%20name%20and%20