Nominations will open in two and a half weeks, on July 9, but at the time of writing there is only one confirmed candidate - Andy Burnham. Despite having toured the country over the last few weeks, drumming up support for a bid - and stating only last week that he now had the numbers to challenge Starmer - Wes Streeting has pulled out of the race and backed Burnham. Perhaps Wes had been banking on a Labour defeat in Makerfield?
Other potential candidates have either ruled themselves out or aren't saying much. Neither Ed Miliband or Shabana Mahmood are expected to stand, but Alistair Carns wrote a cryptic post on social media that could signal he is game. The post ended: "We have the ideas, we have the talent, but we need the courage and leadership to deliver them. That's what comes next."
There's no doubting Carns' ambition, but it is not clear if this was an endorsement of Burnham or a signal that he will enter the fray. Beyond Angela Rayner, who has been tight-lipped so far, there are only dark horse candidates.
As with his disastrous premiership, Starmer's big farewell speech did not go according to plan. He was constantly drowned out by none other than EU fanatic Steve Bray. Westminster's perennial protester was positioned next to the Downing Street gates blaring out Ode to Joy, which threatened to drown out Starmer's grandiose rose-tinted assessment of the perceived 'achievements' of his short time in office. Some of his claims have already been fact-checked and debunked.
If you can stomach it, Starmer's resignation speech in full can be found below (six minute excruciating watch)
As for the man who could be coronated Labour leader and PM next month, if no-one else steps forward, his day did not quite go according to plan either. Burnham was travelling down from Manchester to be inaugurated as an MP, but his train was delayed by almost 20 minutes.
Start as you mean to go on, Andy!
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