LONDON -- LONDON (AP) - Andy Burnham, Britain's newest parliamentarian and probable next prime minister, conferred with Labour Party associates on Tuesday to prepare for a leadership contest in which he could stand unopposed.

Burnham stands as the clear favorite to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who revealed on Monday his plan to resign within weeks following two years marked by errors in judgment that diminished support among party members and voters alike.

A former Cabinet minister who has served as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, Burnham secured a special election victory last week for a parliamentary seat specifically to challenge Starmer's leadership.

His prospects strengthened considerably on Monday after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, viewed as his primary competitor, declared his backing.

The British parliamentary framework permits ruling parties to replace leaders - and therefore prime ministers - without calling a general election. The subsequent national vote need not occur until 2029.

Labour leadership nominations open on July 9 and close seven days later. Should Burnham run alone, he could assume the premiership by July 17. In the event of a contest, the victor would likely take office before Parliament reconvenes after its summer recess on Sept. 1.

Burnham earned popularity as mayor of Greater Manchester by guiding swift urban renewal in the northern English city that birthed the Industrial Revolution. He has vowed to apply his distinctive approach of Manchesterism across the entire nation.

Numerous Labour supporters believe Burnham's interpersonal abilities and appeal will resonate more effectively with the public than the reserved, administrative style of Starmer.

Yet Burnham's positions across several policy domains remain unspecified and unexamined. Certain Labour legislators seek a formal party contest that would subject him to open debate and evaluation.

Burnham plans to deliver an address next week detailing aspects of his economic proposals.

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who resigned this month in objection to what he deemed insufficient defense funding, stated that a straightforward discussion is required about the nation's desired direction.

Carns has indicated possible interest in the leadership but informed broadcaster ITV that he remains unprepared to decide in any manner.

Others have proposed Darren Jones, a senior Cabinet minister and Starmer ally, as a candidate, although he has not responded.

Aspiring contenders must secure endorsements from at least 81 Labour lawmakers, representing one fifth of the parliamentary group, to participate.

Many contend that a leadership contest would merely highlight internal party fractures and prolong political instability.

Starmer informed his Cabinet during their weekly meeting on Tuesday that he intends to facilitate a smooth handover to his successor. He expressed a desire for an orderly process and success for whoever follows him, according to his office.

Although Starmer seeks to maintain routine operations, he is prohibited from introducing significant new policy measures or spending pledges in his remaining time.

Starmer stepped down on Monday after reflecting over the weekend, recognizing that the Labour Party no longer views him as the optimal choice to guide it toward the next general election.

He became the sixth prime minister in ten years to announce his departure from outside No. 10 Downing Street. This occurs as Britain observes the tenth anniversary of its referendum to exit the European Union, a choice that continues to affect the economy and political landscape.

After weeks of asserting he would defend his position, Starmer yielded to mounting calls to transfer power to a new leader capable of restoring the government's declining prospects. He guided Labour to a decisive election win in July 2024, yet both his and the party's popularity have sharply declined since.

Starmer has faced challenges in achieving promised economic expansion, restoring strained public services, and alleviating living costs. He has been constrained by repeated errors, such as appointing Peter Mandelson, a figure linked to past controversies and Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the United States.

Labour is losing moderate supporters to the expanding Green Party while confronting the ascent of Reform UK, the anti-immigration group led by Nigel Farage that tops national opinion surveys.