Boris Johnson has spoken out about Andy Burnham, saying that he doesn’t deserve to be the Prime Minister, following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer this morning.
Speaking at the Octopus Energy Tech Summit in London, Mr Johnson reacted to Sir Keir Starmer stepping down as Prime Minister and who his successor could be.
Mr Johnson suggested that the “new guy” should adapt to modal pricing for energy costs, although he stated that Mr Burnham, whom he “expected” to take over in Number 10, did not have an energy plan.
The former Prime Minister said: “He doesn’t deserve a job at all as far as I’m concerned, but he’s going to get it. He hasn’t been elected, he isn’t going to be elected.”
Mr Johnson, who also acted as London Mayor between 2008 and 2016, claimed that Mr Burnham “didn’t deserve” his advice to roll out modal pricing to lower energy costs.
He added: “[Energy] is a huge issue. Whatever [Ed] Miliband says, I’d strongly advise not to listen to him, frankly. This is a massive opportunity for him.
“Britain is an incredible country. My advice would be, that you don’t have much time. The clock is ticking, your honeymoon will not last long.
“And who knows what will happen? He may be full of brilliant ideas with a wonderful agenda, but some asteroid will hit you, like Covid. Do go fast.”
Boris Johnson said Andy Burnham ‘didn’t deserve’ to be the next Prime Minister
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PA
He emphasised that the new Prime Minister, “whoever that may be”, should create a comprehensive energy plan, describing the current system as “mad”.
It comes just minutes after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street.
Sir Starmer, who had been Prime Minister for almost two years, clarified that he would give his successor his “full and unequivocal support”.
He said the successor would inherit a Britain that is “far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago”.
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister this morning in an emotional address delivered outside 10 Downing Street, bringing his tenure to an end after less than two years in office. | GETTY
He continued, saying: “I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for the last six years or so, for their incredible commitment, service and support.
“I want to thank the brilliant No 10 staff and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service who dedicate their lives to public service.
“And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy. Thank you very much.”