India, July 17 -- Andy Burnham was declared Labour leader without a contest on Friday, capping a monthlong political sprint that took him from Greater Manchester's town hall to the brink of Downing Street.

Speaking to party members shortly after his confirmation, Burnham thanked his predecessor, outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, directly. Burnham acknowledged Starmer's service to the Labour Party and the UK as Starmer prepared to formally resign to King Charles III on Monday morning, at which point Burnham will follow him to the Palace to be asked to form a government.

A Pointed Farewell From Keir Starmer

The handover was not without tension. Starmer, addressing the moment on his final day as prime minister, struck a defian...