Keir Starmer yesterday resigned as prime minister and Labour leader (Monday 22 June).

Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is a likely candidate for his replacement, after winning a by-election in Makerfield on Friday 19 June.

This article is an archive of our live coverage from the day.

Stockport Green leader hopes Andy Burnham will prioritise fairer funding if he becomes PM

Stockport Green Party group leader Cllr Liz Crix has said she hopes Andy Burnham will prioritise fairer funding and the environment if he becomes PM.

"I'm hoping that, if Andy Burnham becomes PM, he will prioritise fairer funding for local authorities and other public services", Cllr Crix said.

"I'm also hoping he will take a strong positive stance on the environment, active travel infrastructure, green energy, green building construction - thus enabling transition to truly liveable cities that aren't dominated by cars.

"I hope he will move the UK away from oil and gas and towards renewables, that he will work on the broken housing market, introduce higher taxes for the mega rich.

"I hope that he will be guided by compassion for the vulnerable in ours and other countries."

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Change in leadership isn't enough, Conservative councillor says

Peter Crossen, Conservative councillor for Bramhall South and Woodford, has said the government needs more than a change in leadership.

"A change at the top of Labour won't fix the broken promises, poor decisions and lack of direction that have defined this Government", Cllr Crossen said.

"Businesses are struggling, energy bills remain high, and our armed forces continue to face significant funding pressures. Yet instead of focusing on economic growth and supporting working people, Labour seems more interested in finding new ways to tax them.

"People across Stockport and the wider country deserve better. They deserve a Government that understands the challenges families, pensioners and businesses face every day, and has a credible plan to address them.

"We need hope, not harassment. We need growth, not higher taxes. And we need politicians who genuinely understand and relate to the concerns of ordinary people."

'We need to change the way we do our politics', Hazel Grove MP says

Lisa Smart, Hazel Grove's Lib Dem MP, has said that seven prime ministers in 10 years suggests that "it's more than just the wrong people getting in that's the problem".

"We need to change the way we do our politics if we want to see the change in our country I know my constituents are impatient for", Ms Smart said.

"That means bringing down the cost of living with a more sensible relationship with Europe, fixing social care at long last to end the NHS crisis; and giving power back to people by voting reform and giving communities more control.

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"Whoever becomes the next Prime Minister needs to drop the dither and delay and show the ambition our country deserves."

Stockport MP: Keir Starmer deserves 'thanks and respect', but it's time to 'renew Labour's sense of purpose'

Stockport Labour MP Navendu Mishra has said it is important to recognise Keir Starmer's service, but that now the focus must be 'firmly fixed on the future'.

In a statement this morning (22 June), Mr Mishra said: "It is important to recognise Sir Keir Starmer's service to both our nation and the Labour Party.

"He led Labour back into government with a historic mandate from the British people after years of Conservative and Liberal Democrat chaos, economic mismanagement and political instability. That was no small achievement.

"For his dedication to public service and his commitment to returning Labour to power, he deserves our thanks and respect.

The leadership contest ahead presents an opportunity not simply to choose a new leader, but to renew Labour's sense of purpose.

"It is a chance to reconnect with the concerns of the country, refocus on the priorities that matter most and show that Labour remains the party of fairness, opportunity and national renewal."

He added: "Whoever emerges as our next leader and Prime Minister must unite our movement, restore public confidence and provide the clear leadership needed to navigate continued cost-of-living pressures, rapid social change and increasing international uncertainty.

"The British people entrusted Labour with a historic mandate because they wanted change. We must never take that trust for granted. Now is the time to listen, to learn and to lead with renewed purpose.

"The task before us is clear: to rebuild trust in politics, renew confidence in government and ensure that every community has a stake in Britain's future.

"Together, we must build a fairer, stronger and more hopeful country for generations to come, and my focus as always will remain on what is best for Stockport."

You can read Mr Mishra's statement in full here.

People 'sick and tired' of constant change at Number 10, Cheadle MP says

Cheadle's Lib Dem MP Tom Morrison has said people are 'sick and tired' of the constant change at number 10.

"Energy bills are still too high, taxes are the highest they've been in decades and our NHS still creaks under the strain of under investment", Mr Morrison said.

"Can someone in the Labour Government please get a grip, make the changes needed to fix the country and properly invest in our economy.

"We were promised change after 14 years of chaos with the Conservatives.

"I cant believe we are now seeing history repeating. Whether it's Andy or Wes, or Angela, we need bold direction, not more infighting."