Andy Burnham could become the first Prime Minister with trait never-seen-before in 21st-century UK leader

In the months leading up to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation from the position of Prime Minister, questions were raised over who might replace him in a leadership contest.

For many political spectators, including many working inside Parliament, Andy Burnham has been considered the strongest contender, an exciting prospect for millions of Brits living in the north of England.

That's because the former Manchester mayor's potential rise to power would result in a unique, monumental trait, not yet observed in the 21st century, being seen in 10 Downing Street.

Announcing his resignation earlier today (22 Jun), 63-year-old Starmer said: "I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations, opening on the 9th of July, and completed by the summer recess.

Starmer has resigned from the position (Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September."

Starmer also announced he'll stay in office until a contest for the position 'is complete', adding: "I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support."

While the outgoing PM failed to mention Burnham by name, the 56-year-old's win in this weekend's Makerfield by-election - which provided him with a seat in Parliament - was viewed as an official challenge to Starmer for the leadership.

Many of Burnham's allies are currently lobbying for an orderly transition, which - if rivals like ex-Health Secretary Wes Streeting step aside - could see him take power within days or weeks without a formal vote.

If successful, the move will see him become the first Prime Minister born in the North West of England in both the 20th and 21st centuries.

Burnham is considered the strongest contender (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Born in Aintree, Merseyside, Burnham has recently garnered himself the nickname, the 'King of the North' - a reference to HBO's Game of Thrones.

He's already built a powerful brand as a champion for regional devolution in the North, as well as public services and working-class communities outside of the country's capital.

His northern predecessors include Bury, Lancashire-born Robert Peel, who served as Prime Minister between the 1830s and 1840s, and 19th-century leader William Gladstone, who was born in Liverpool.

So, if he gets in, Burnham will be thought of as the first genuinely North West-born PM of the modern era.

He previously served as MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, holding prominent cabinet roles under New Labour leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

He previously sat as Metro Mayor before returning to Makerfield, forcing him to resign from his most recent role as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Burnham could become the first Prime Minister of the 20th and 21st centuries to be born in the North West (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

"This is a final chance to change," he said following his latest victory. "We must hear it, we must act upon it, and we must get it right.

"There will be no second chance."