LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- British Labour politician Andy Burnham on Monday signaled his intention to take part in the process of choosing a successor to Keir Starmer, while former Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced his support for Burnham.
"Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period," Burnham said in a statement after Starmer announced his decision to step down.
He said Starmer's decision marked the beginning of a transition, adding that it was important for the process to be conducted in an orderly and responsible way.
"I will put myself forward as part of this process," Burnham said.
He added that political change should not distract from the responsibility to improve people's lives, and called for the transition to become a positive process of renewal for both Labour and the country.
Streeting, who had previously said he would stand in any Labour leadership contest, said on Monday that he would not run against Burnham. He said he had spoken at length with Burnham in recent days and urged other Labour figures to support him.
"We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country need," Streeting said. ■
