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Wallasey's MP has backed Andy Burnham to become the next prime minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, according to the Wirral Globe.
Dame Angela Eagle, who has represented the constituency since 1992, praised the outgoing PM's record before throwing her support behind Mr Burnham, describing him as "the best person to take up the mantle" after proving he can "counter the forces of hate and division".
Sir Keir dramatically resigned yesterday in a speech at Downing Street, following days of speculation (and fuelled by Trump) about his future as PM.
Dame Angela, currently Minister of State for Security, stressed the need for stability during the transition period.
Burnham, a former cabinet minister, was sworn in as an MP once again on June 22 following his decisive victory in last week's by-election. His return to Westminster marks the end of his time as Greater Manchester mayor, a position he had held comfortably since 2017.
As mayor, Burnham built a national profile on transport reform, devolution, and social policy. He has run for the Labour leadership twice before, in 2010 and 2015. Still, his broad popularity across the party has led to speculation may include a coordination and no contest if he is left unchallenged.
Dame Angela said in a statement: "Keir Starmer has made the difficult decision to step down, and I want to thank him for his dedicated service to both our party and the country."
On Burnham, she said: "Andy Burnham has demonstrated in Makerfield that he is up to the task of countering the forces of hate and division in our politics and putting forward Labour's progressive message.
She concluded, "In my view, he is the best person to take up the mantle. The focus must remain entirely on delivering for the public. As always, my absolute priority remains standing up for my constituents in Wallasey and getting on with the job."
Burnham won the Makerfield by-election by 9,000 votes.
