What Keir Starmer’s Resignation Means for Britain: Robert Amorello on the UK’s Next Prime Minister
Andy Burnham Expected to Succeed Starmer Amid Growing Challenges
“The next Prime Minister will be the seventh in 10 years. And this isn’t something that’s reflective of a defect in the British political system. It’s just rank incompetence on the part of every incumbent”
By-Hank Stolz
Graphic – Radio Worcester
WORCESTER, MA-Radio Worcester’s political expert on all things British, Robert Amorello, runs down what Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister means. “The next Prime Minister will be the seventh in 10 years. And this isn’t something that’s reflective of a defect in the British political system. It’s just rank incompetence on the part of every incumbent.”
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to succeed Starmer as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister within approximately one month. Amorello says, while Burnham may offer improved competence, the UK faces significant challenges including immigration control, economic mismanagement, unsustainable welfare spending, excessive taxation, and severe military readiness issues. “They’re borrowing and borrowing money to an extent that makes the United States look frugal and prudent.”
The conservative opposition remains fractured across three separate parties. The transition period will leave the government partially paralyzed, with a delayed Defense Review and limited executive action until Burnham officially assumes office. The UK’s declining global influence and weakened relationship with the United States reflect the country’s broader institutional and economic deterioration. “The United Kingdom is really a shell of what it was 30 or 40 years ago, let alone what it was a hundred years ago” says Amorello.
Who Do Historians Rank as Britain’s Greatest Prime Ministers?
Ask a room full of historians to rank Britain’s prime ministers and you’ll get some disagreement, but a handful of leaders consistently appear near the top of the list.
One of the most surprising results in many historian surveys is that Clement Attlee often ranks either first or second alongside Churchill. While Churchill is more famous, Attlee’s post-war government established the NHS, expanded social welfare programs, and reshaped modern Britain—making him one of the most highly regarded prime ministers among scholars.
1. Winston Churchill
Perhaps the most recognizable British prime minister, Churchill led the United Kingdom through its darkest hours during World War II. His leadership, speeches, and refusal to negotiate with Nazi Germany have made him a symbol of national resilience. While his broader political record remains debated, historians almost universally place him among Britain’s greatest leaders.
2. Clement Attlee
Often overlooked by the public but highly regarded by scholars, Attlee served from 1945 to 1951 and oversaw the creation of the modern British welfare state. His government established the National Health Service (NHS), expanded social programs, and managed Britain’s postwar recovery.
3. William Pitt the Younger
Taking office at just 24 years old, Pitt led Britain during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Historians credit him with strengthening government finances and helping position Britain as a dominant global power.
4. Robert Walpole
Although the title did not officially exist at the time, Walpole is generally considered Britain’s first prime minister. Serving from 1721 to 1742, he established many of the political practices that continue to define the office today.
5. David Lloyd George
Lloyd George led Britain through the final years of World War I and helped shape the postwar settlement. He is also remembered for introducing major social reforms that expanded government support for working-class citizens.
Other Frequently Mentioned Names
Depending on the survey, historians also regularly place these leaders among Britain’s most influential:
- Margaret Thatcher
- Benjamin Disraeli
- William Gladstone
- Harold Macmillan
Where Does Keir Starmer Rank?
It’s far too early for historians to make a meaningful assessment. Historical rankings typically emerge decades after a leader leaves office, allowing scholars to evaluate the long-term impact of their decisions on the economy, foreign policy, national security, and society.
Interesting Context
If Andy Burnham ultimately succeeds Keir Starmer, Britain will have had seven prime ministers in roughly a decade—a remarkable contrast to some of the country’s most highly ranked leaders. Walpole served for 21 years, Pitt for nearly 19 years across two terms, and Thatcher served for more than 11 years. Historians often associate longevity and political stability with a leader’s ability to leave a lasting legacy.
Sources
University of Leeds / Ipsos MORI Historian Surveys
November 2014
The British Academy
The British Academy
Institute for Government
Institute for Government
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Prime Ministers of Great Britain
UK Parliament Historical Resources
UK Parliament History Resources
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