LONDON, June 22 (Reuters): Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he was quitting, paving the way for what is expected to ​be an orderly transfer of power to frontrunner Andy Burnham, who could become Britain's seventh leader in 10 years as early as next month.

In an emotional speech, Starmer said ‌he had listened to his governing Labour Party and realised that he was no longer the man who should lead it into a national election due in 2029.

After making his announcement on the steps of his Downing Street office and London residence, Starmer's move to stand down could have triggered a divisive leadership contest, but several Labour lawmakers said they now expected more of a coronation.

Burnham, a 56-year-old career politician, quickly won the support of another potential leadership rival, ​former health minister Wes Streeting, with one Labour lawmaker saying it was more likely the former mayor would now be installed as leader.

He entered parliament to cheers from Labour lawmakers, and the ​odd heckle from the opposition, including one person who shouted out: "He's not the Messiah." He then pledged allegiance to King Charles to take his place ⁠as a lawmaker, a necessary step to be able to become the new leader of Labour and Britain.

Photo from Reuters