Andy Burnham’s by-election win sets up potential Labour leadership challenge to Keir Starmer

As Andy Burnham enters No 10, Guardian data analysis reveals the fissures with Labour’s traditional supporters, and the traps the new PM will want to avoidKeir Starmer entered 10 Downing St on a wave of optimism after a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. His Labour party had overturned a defeat in 2019 in which the party crashed to its worst result since 1935. Labour won 412 seats, just a few shy of the 418 won by Tony Blair in 1997, a result that gave Labour a leader in office for a decade.But a little more than two years after he came to power, Starmer’s tenure is over. Over the past 24 months the popularity of the human-rights lawyer turned prime minister has plummeted, from a net approval rating of -3 when he took office, to -66 by September 2025 – the lowest net approval rating recorded by Ipsos for any prime minister since 1977. Continue reading...

From Cambridge ‘imposter’ to New Labour star: Andy Burnham’s winding path to power  The GuardianBurnham cements Labour leadership with backing of 349 MPs  BBCBurnham's Inheritance  Sam Freedman | SubstackThe first 100 days: A blueprint for renewal  IPPRUnion backing to seal Labour crown for Burnham  BBC

There were 322 Labour MPs who voted for the new Makerfield MP to take over from Sir Keir Starmer

In a video posted on Thursday, Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham said it was 'all starting to feel very real' while Keir Starmer praised his likely successor

Al Carns has ruled himself out of the UK Labour Party leadership race, paving the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister.

The Prime Minister insisted he held no “personal animosity” for Andy Burnham, who is expected to succeed him

Andy Burnham could use the vacancy to stamp his mark on the party

Andy Burnham, the British MP tipped to replace the outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, promised "radical change" to the nation's "broken" political system as he laid out his vision to lead the country on Monday.

How Keir Starmer let Andy Burnham into power  London Evening StandardLaura Kuenssberg: Is Andy Burnham Labour’s saviour, or just its best bet?  BBCBurnham blueprint for national renewal | Letters  The GuardianSpeed of Andy Burnham’s takeover unsettles Labour MPs  Financial TimesLessons from the childhood home of Britain’s probable next leader  The Economist

Andy Burnham set to replace Keir Starmer as Britain braces for Labour shift

Speed of Andy Burnham’s takeover unsettles Labour MPs  Financial TimesAndy Burnham’s long coup: the chaotic year-long project to return him to Westminster  The GuardianAndy Burnham could be leader in weeks under Labour timetable  BBCLessons from the childhood home of Britain’s probable next leader  The EconomistThis is the vision that Burnham should offer  The Telegraph

Andy Burnham, front center, attends a swearing-in ceremony as an MP in the House of Common in London, England, Monday, June 22, 2026. (House of Commons via AP)Nearly half of British voters want an early general election when Andy Burnham becomes prime minister.A poll by YouGov also found that roughly the same number believe he should face a Labour leadership contest before entering No.10.Burnham is all-but certain to automatically become PM next month after nominations close in the race to succeed Keir Starmer.Cabinet minister Darren Jones became the latest senior Labour figure to announce they would not be standing and instead threw his weight behind Burnham.It came just two days after another hopeful, former health secretary Wes Streeting announced that he was also backing the former Greater Manchester mayor.Former armed forces minister Al Carns is the only remaining possible rival to Burnham, but it is highly unlikely that he would be able to muster the 81 nominations he would need to enter the race.Assuming no one else challenges him, Burnham will become PM next month, just weeks after returning to Westminster as the new MP for Makerfield.It is still less than two years since Starmer won a landslide general election victory.That means that the country does not need to go back to the polls again until 2029.However, the YouGov poll found that 48% of voters believe there should be another election once Burnham is in place, compared to 35% who do not.The poll also revealed that 46% think he should have to face a leadership contest rather than a coronation, with just 23% believing he should be appointed unopposed.Only 15% think Burnham will be a good prime minister, the same number who think he will be terrible, YouGov found.And while 21% of people say they are more optimistic about the UK’s future with Burnham in charge, 43% said it will make no difference, and 24% are more pessimistic.Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Darren Jones Says He Won't Challenge Andy Burnham To Become Prime MinisterWhy Allies Are So Certain We're Heading For An Andy Burnham CoronationWho Might Be In Andy Burnham's Cabinet If He Becomes The Next PM?

Keir Starmer has resigned as prime minister, with Andy Burnham the only viable alternative to replace him. Given Burnham’s success in Makerfield, you can see why. The question is whether Burnham can turn his regional support into national success, and the signs so far aren’t promising: 🚨NEW | Latest post-Starmer #GE2029 poll: ➡️Ref: 28% ( […] By Willem Moore

Andy Burnham after winning the Makerfield by-election.Nearly half of British voters want an early general election when Andy Burnham becomes prime minister.A poll by YouGov also found that roughly the same number believe he should face a Labour leadership contest before entering No.10.Burnham is all-but certain to automatically become PM next month after nominations close in the race to succeed Keir Starmer.Cabinet minister Darren Jones became the latest senior Labour figure to announce they would not be standing and instead threw his weight behind Burnham.It came just two days after another hopeful, former health secretary Wes Streeting announced that he was also backing the former Greater Manchester mayor.Former armed forces minister Al Carns is the only remaining possible rival to Burnham, but it is highly unlikely that he would be able to muster the 81 nominations he would need to enter the race.Assuming no one else challenges him, Burnham will become PM next month, just weeks after returning to Westminster as the new MP for Makerfield.It is still less than two years since Starmer won a landslide general election victory.That means that the country does not need to go back to the polls again until 2029.However, the YouGov poll found that 48% of voters believe there should be another election once Burnham is in place, compared to 35% who do not.The poll also revealed that 46% think he should have to face a leadership contest rather than a coronation, with just 23% believing he should be appointed unopposed.Only 15% think Burnham will be a good prime minister, the same number who think he will be terrible, YouGov found.And while 21% of people say they are more optimistic about the UK’s future with Burnham in charge, 43% said it will make no difference, and 24% are more pessimistic.Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Darren Jones Says He Won't Challenge Andy Burnham To Become Prime MinisterWhy Allies Are So Certain We're Heading For An Andy Burnham CoronationWho Might Be In Andy Burnham's Cabinet If He Becomes The Next PM?

Andy Burnham is inching nearer to becoming Britain's prime minister without a contest after a cabinet minister decided against running for the top job.

Keir Starmer on Tuesday met Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to replace him in No 10, for the first time since the Makerfield by-election, after pledging a "smooth transition" of power

If Andy Burnham is the only contender to replace Keir Starmer, he could be the UK’s new prime minister by July 17.

If Andy Burnham is the only contender to replace Keir Starmer, he could be the UK’s new prime minister by July 17.

Starmer and Burnham meet face-to-face for the first time since the PM resigned as Labour’s newest MP prepares to succeed him

Andy Burnham edges closer to coronation as leadership rivals struggle to garner support  The IndependentCabinet ministers loyal to Starmer urge Darren Jones not to run for Labour leadership  The GuardianLabour MPs Mull Leadership Challenge  BBCAndy Burnham: what to expect from the UK’s likely next prime minister  The ConversationAndy Burnham plans devolution blitz ahead of key City of London speech  Financial Times

Following Keir Starmer's resignation, Andy Burnham emerges as a potential successor, promising renewal for the Labour Party. However, his alignment with Starmer's policies raises questions about whether he can truly reinvigorate the party and regain lost voter trust.

Andy Burnham leads race to replace Keir Starmer as UK prime minister

Andy Burnham was sworn in as an MP yesterday and is the favourite to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Labour MPs consider backing challenger to Andy Burnham  Financial TimesBurnham Expected To Become Prime Minister After Special Conference On July 17  Politics HomeLabour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham 'coronation'  BBCAndy Burnham wanted to 'relegate gambling sponsorship of sport to the history books' – and now he's set to be PM  Racing PostAndy Burnham set for coronation as Starmer resigns  The Telegraph

Andy Burnham is preparing for a Labour leadership contest that could make him Britain's prime minister within weeks

In today’s newsletter: Correspondents across the UK reveal the challenges that Labour’s newest MP will face from day one in the jobGood morning. It seems inevitable that Andy Burnham will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade, after Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday morning and, hours later, Burnham’s most likely challenger, Wes Streeting, rowed in behind the former mayor of Greater Manchester.Starmer leaves office barely two years after his landslide victory that swept Labour into power on a mandate of change. Six weeks after the party’s humiliation at the hands of Reform across English councils, and historic defeats to progressive nationalists in the Welsh Senedd and Scottish parliament, Burnham offered the country another “change moment”: winning an emphatic victory over Reform in last week’s Makerfield byelection, cementing the view that he can defeat the hard right at the next general election.UK politics | A generation of young Britons who were locked out of the 2016 EU referendum because of their age now believe that Brexit has failed, with a majority demanding a fresh vote to rejoin the EU, exclusive polling shows.Northern Ireland | Former DUP leader, Jeffrey Donaldson, has been found guilty of 18 sexual offences against two victims who were children at the time of the abuse more than 30 years ago.Heatwave | Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday in the face of extreme heat and humidity, while a red heat health alert has been issued in England indicating “a risk to life for even the healthy population”.Middle East | Iran has agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country as part of an agreement under which Washington will lift sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports and the strait of Hormuz will reopen, the US vice-president, JD Vance, has said.UK news | The Metropolitan police is to expand its use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology, first into London’s West End by Christmas and then into a further six areas next year. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham seems to have a clear path to Downing Street

Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham 'coronation'  BBCTuesday briefing: How might Andy Burnham bring his Makerfield magic to Westminster?  The GuardianStarmer resigns latest: Lammy backs Burnham for PM  The TelegraphAndy Burnham: what to expect from the UK’s likely next prime minister  The ConversationLabour MPs consider leadership challenge to avoid Burnham becoming PM unopposed - live updates  BBC

Greater Manchester mayor finds a clear path to replace Keir Starmer in Downing Street

Burnham is an experienced politician whose career has taken him from high-level government jobs to the mayoralty of Greater Manchester, and now to the cusp of the PM’s office.

In a radical departure from the leadership spills seen over the years, Andy Burnham emerged as the clear leader to replace Keir Starmer before he was even sworn into parliament on Monday.

In a radical departure from the leadership spills seen over the years, Andy Burnham emerged as the clear leader to replace Keir Starmer before he was even sworn into parliament on Monday.

In a radical departure from the leadership spills seen over the years, Andy Burnham emerged as the clear leader to replace Keir Starmer before he was even sworn into parliament on Monday.

The former Greater Manchester mayor is seen as favourite to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.

Keir Starmer has announced this morning that he will step down as Prime Minister, following days of pressure and intense […] The post Is Andy Burnham headed for a coronation as Labour leader? appeared first on Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate.

Keir Starmer’s political fate was all but sealed when Labour’s ‘King of the North’, former mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham won a seat in Westminster (the U.K.’s Parliament)  last week, after winning a bye-election

The former minister could run for the Labour leadership uncontested after his return to the Commons

Andy Burnham’s sensational victory in the Makerfield by-election rendered untenable the continuation of Keir Starmer’s premiership. The prime minister, to his credit, left his Downing Street bunker on Monday morning and bowed to the inevitable.  Starmer’s strained insistence that he would, in the words of another outgoing prime minister, “fight on” and “fight to win”... Read more » The post Andy Burnham wields the knife, and wins the crown appeared first on Politics.co.uk.

Andy Burnham could become prime minister within weeks after key potential leadership rival announces he won’t enter race

Andy Burnham confirms he will run to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and PM.

UK is about to get his seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on June 22nd. The favourite is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester who's win in the Makerfield byelection increased pressure on Starmer. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali tells us more.

Keir Starmer's resignation announcement has triggered the first Labour leadership contest in more than six years. But who is likely to win?

The new Makerfield MP is the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister

Burnham's political vision, termed 'Manchesterism', advocates for a blend of devolution and nationalisation, drawing inspiration from his tenure as Mayor of Manchester.

The threat to Starmer, which has been building for months, increased sharply on Friday when Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, decisively won ‌a parliamentary election to return to Westminster

If Starmer steps down, it could create an opportunity for Andy Burnham, one of Labour's most well-known politicians, to take over as Labour Party leader.

If Starmer steps down, it could create an opportunity for Andy Burnham, one of Labour's most well-known politicians, to take over as Labour Party leader.

After winning the Makerfield byelection, Burnham is due to be sworn in as the Greater Manchester constituency’s MP and is expected to press Starmer to set out plans to stand down.

Veteran politician Andy Burnham is set to take his House of Commons seat after by-election win clears leadership challenge path.

Andy Burnham is expected to challenge the Prime Minister after winning a seat in Parliament in a special election he hailed as a “turning point."

Readers respond to the former Greater Manchester mayor’s defeat of Reform UK in Makerfield and his return to WestminsterI have long admired Andy Burnham (Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exit, 19 June). As mayor of Greater Manchester, he has been a powerful advocate for fairness, inclusion and regional investment. As someone who grew up in Manchester, I am proud of what he has achieved. That is precisely why I was disappointed to hear renewed speculation about a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.Many of us voted Labour in 2024 because we wanted stability after years of political turmoil. We were not looking for a political celebrity; we were looking for someone serious, competent and resilient enough to govern in difficult circumstances. Continue reading...

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense pressure following Andy Burnham's return to Parliament, sparking leadership challenge speculation. Despite denials from senior ministers, Starmer is reportedly reflecting on his position amid Labour's recent electoral setbacks and declining approval. Burnham has signaled his ambition, warning the party needs a "final chance to change." Starmer, however, vows to contest any leadership bid, insisting he will not step aside voluntarily.

It was no secret that Andy Burnham would seek to replace Keir Starmer should he win the Makerfield by-election. After he achieved victory, though — exceeding even the most optimistic polling — Starmer did not go gently into that good night. Instead, he said in no uncertain terms that he would fight Burnham in any […] By Willem Moore

The speculation about his exit has grown after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, defeating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes.

Some Labour MPs still want former mayor to face the ‘scrutiny’ of ideas through a contested leadership contestAllies of Andy Burnham are increasingly confident of a coronation-style transfer of power after the number of MPs backing his planned leadership bid surged following his byelection victory.Burnham and his team are understood to have spent the last few days enlisting the support of MPs and ministers, as he prepares to challenge Keir Starmer in the coming weeks. Continue reading...

Andy Burnham, former mayor of Manchester, has been elected to parliament and is expected to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Bloomberg New's UK politics reporter James Woolcock joins Bloomberg This Weekend to discuss this unprecedented election results with David Gura and Christina Ruffini and what Burnham vs Starmer could look like. (Source: Bloomberg)

Where does Burnham's huge victory leave Starmer - and can he still survive?  Sky NewsBurnham allies confident of No 10 ‘coronation’ after surge in backers  The GuardianAndy Burnham: The charismatic mayor almost certain to challenge for Britain’s premiership  CNNKeir Starmer ‘weighs future’ as cabinet calls for him to quit for Andy Burnham  The TimesAndy Burnham Speaks After Makerfield By-Election Win  BBC

The governing Labour Party may oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer in favor of the more popular Andy Burnham — who will still face all the same challenges.

Andy Burnham's triumph showed that a progressive Labour vision can beat the divisive politics of Nigel Farage, and gave him a springboard as he sets his sights on Downing Street

Andy Burnham: The charismatic mayor almost certain to challenge for Britain’s premiership  CNNPM under pressure from Labour MPs and ministers to set timetable for exit  BBCPressure grows on Starmer to step aside for Burnham – UK politics live  The GuardianFarage blames Makerfield defeat on anti-Starmer votes  BBCStarmer latest: Hundredth Labour MP calls on PM to resign  The Telegraph

As Andy Burnham secured a resounding victory in the Makerfield by-election, UK PM Keir Starmer is now facing growing calls to resign and leave Downing Street as the latter tries to gauge support from his cabinet ministers.

Labour grandees, including some Cabinet ministers, told the Prime Minister that his time was up following Mr Burnham's thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election.

Labour grandees, including some Cabinet ministers, told the Prime Minister that his time was up following Mr Burnham's thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election.

Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping Continue reading...

Andy Burnham, a Labour mayor, won a resounding majority in a special election on Thursday, making him eligible to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the country’s leadership.

Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra ToppingUK politics – live updatesAndy Burnham wins by huge majority Continue reading...

Andy Burnham, Manchester’s mayor, prepares to challenge Keir Starmer—and is likely to win.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a decisive victory for the ruling Labour Party that delivers him a seat in Parliament and, with it, a pathway to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job. Bloomberg UK Politics Reporter James Woolcock discusses what he expects to see from a potential leadership showdown in the UK. (Source: Bloomberg)

Labour's Andy Burnham won a special election on Friday and gained a seat in Parliament. He has openly spoken about challenging Keir Starmer as leader.

Sir Keir Starmer's principal rival, Andy Burnham, has stormed back into parliament after a near-decade absence with a by-election win.

Burnham has said he was first inspired to enter politics after watching "Boys From The Blackstuff," an acclaimed 1982 TV show about five unemployed men navigating Margaret Thatcher's Britain.

Andy Burnham’s victory over Reform has intensified questions about Keir Starmer’s future. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Rosa Prince explains why Labour could soon face a leadership contest. (Source: Bloomberg)

Prime Minister offers his congratulations but insists that he will not quit

Andy Burnham emerges as new challenger for UK's Starmer after bypoll win

Some London Labour MPs were openly calling for Sir Keir Starmer to stand aside after Andy Burnham’s seismic win in Makerfield

Andy Burnham will return to Westminster as an MP, and potential challenger to Keir Starmer, after decisively beating Reform UK to win the Makerfield byelection. Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot chat through what happens nextWhat would ‘change’ look like if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister?Support the Guardian: theguardian.com/politicspod Continue reading...

Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a seat in Parliament in a special election he hailed as a "turning point" for UK politics.

Andy Burnham, a 56-year-old politician nicknamed the King of the North, has emerged as the top contender to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain said he would not “walk away” from any leadership contest after a top rival in his party, Andy Burnham, decisively won a parliamentary seat.

Andy Burnham's return to Westminster sets up a battle for the UK Prime Minister position, which could see Keir Starmer ousted after Mr Starmer insisted he would fight any leadership challenge.

Labour’s Andy Burnham, the popular mayor of Greater Manchester, won a special election for a seat in Parliament and signaled Friday that he will use it to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country.

Labour mayor Andy Burnham cleared a path on Friday to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, potentially ushering in a new bout of political instability, by decisively winning a parliamentary seat in northern England.

Lawmaker Andy Burnham said Britain needed ​fundamental change, from its economy to its immigration system, to education and industry, after he won a parliamentary seat ​in the Makerfield by-election. The election was under intense scrutiny as it was triggered to give Burnham the possibility of challenging PM Keir Starmer for party leadership, for which he would be the favourite. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle tells us what to expect now.

Andy Burnham’s return to the House of Commons means UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing an unprecedented challenge to his leadership from within his Labour Party.

Andy Burnham won a decisive Labour victory in a northwest England by-election and signalled he would enter any race to succeed Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield by-election, signalling a potential challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election has paved the way for a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer

Union leaders say the victory proves that Labour can defeat Reform, but that Starmer shouldn't remain as prime minister The post ‘Keir Starmer must step down’: Trade union leaders react to Andy Burnham’s landslide win in Makerfield appeared first on Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate.

Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor nicknamed the "King of the North," won the contest in Makerfield in northwest England with 54.8% of the vote.

The newest Labour MP is expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Labour's Andi Burnham's win in the by-election that took place in the constituency of Makerfield on June 17, while saying he would fight any leadership challenge he is presented with. Burnham is Starmer's main rival, with many in Labour hoping that the new MP will now challenge the PM. FRANCE 24's Benedicte Paviot tells us more.

Labour's Andy Burnham has won a by-election in northern England, fuelling speculation that he could mount a challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer’s popularity has cratered since he led the center-left Labour Party to a landslide election victory in July 2024. Labour is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party, and facing a rising Reform UK, which consistently leads in nationwide opinion polls.

Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster could result in Keir Starmer being forced out of Downing Street.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday (June 19), setting up a bid to oust Keir Starmer as prime minister. Julian Satterthwaite reports.

After winning the Makerfield byelection, the returning Labour MP faces a number of scenarios in his bid to replace Keir Starmer

Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is now positioned to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the governing Labour Party and to seize the top job.

Labour party's Andy Burnham speaks after winning the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. in Wigan, England, Friday, June 19, 2026.Andy Burnham has just won the Makerfield by-election by a landslide, meaning he is finally in a position to challenge Keir Starmer.His win in the north-west constituency – with a healthy majority of over 9,000 – means Burnham is now an MP once again after a nine-year absence from Westminster, and Starmer’s premiership has now reached a new level of jeopardy.As Labour’s most popular politician, the soon-to-be-former Greater Manchester mayor is seen by his supporters as the only man who can win back disillusioned voters from Reform UK.So what happens now? Here’s what could unfold in the coming days.When Might Burnham Make A Move?He is not expected to challenge Starmer before he is sworn in as Makerfield MP in the House of Commons next week.But he has dropped heavy hints about his impending plans to topple the PM, saying in his victory speech that it was the “final chance” for Labour to change.A Labour MP needs the support of at least 81 of his parliamentary colleagues to trigger a leadership contest – and Burnham in understood to have already cleared that threshold.His allies have also rejected Starmer’s earlier offer of a job in his government, calling it a “non-starter”.Will Starmer Stand Aside?The prime minister has publicly insisted he will not be standing down and those around him are encouraging him to fight on.Under Labour rules, as leader his name would automatically go on the ballot paper if a contest takes place.But his position remains precarious, with the possibility that more cabinet members could quit in an attempt to force him out.Burnham’s team have reportedly told ministers to delay resignations to avoid causing chaos.Will There Be A Leadership Race?That all depends on what Starmer does next.Burnham’s allies want the prime minister to set out a timetable for his departure in the coming weeks, paving the way for a smooth transition of power to their man.That would give Burnham time to finalise his own policy platform and prepare for a “coronation”, assuming no other MPs throw their hats into the ring.Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last month, has said he will take part in any contest, while former armed forces minister Al Carns has made clear his own leadership ambitions.HuffPost UK also revealed that female Labour MPs are urging Yvette Cooper to run.However, YouGov polling shows Burnham would comfortably beat them all in a vote by Labour Party members.What About The Greater Manchester Mayoral Election?The cost of finding a replacement for Burnham is estimated to land at a pricey £4.7 million.Burnham’s critics have often pointed to that sum – and his 63.4% vote share in the 2024 mayoral election –  as a reason for him to stay in the post until his term was up.But, MPs are not permitted to also work as regional mayors because that role incorporates the job of police and crime commissioner.So another by-election is set for July 30.It’s unclear if the government will try to implement a new voting system for the contest, switching to the supplementary vote system from the first-past-the-post system, as previously promised.Either way, the mayoral election is set to be another hotly-contested race, with the Greens, Reform and Labour all expected to fight it out.Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield By-Election And Is Set To Become Prime MinisterAndy Burnham Will Turn Down Any Job Offer From Keir Starmer'Andy Burnham Has The Chance To Transform Britain By Closing The Respect Gap'

Andy Burnham's decisive Makerfield by-election victory has intensified pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Winning nearly 55% of the vote, Burnham's return to Westminster signals a potential challenge to Starmer's leadership and Labour's future direction. The result is seen as a significant moment, fueling debate about the party's strategy and its ability to reconnect with voters.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has won the crucial Makerfield by-election by a huge majority, paving the way for a challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership.Burnham defeated the Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, by 9,231 votes, and the new hardline Restore Britain party came a distant third. Burnham has previously run for the leadership twice, losing out to Ed Miliband and later Jeremy Corbyn.The 56-year-old politician had made it clear that he would challenge the prime minister if he managed to woo the voters in Makerfield.Who is Andy Burnham?Andrew Murray Burnham was born on 7 January 1970. He was the Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026 and a Member of Parliament (MP).A member of Labour Co-op, he previously served as the MP for Leigh from 2001 until 2017. During his first parliamentary career, he held several Cabinet positions, lastly as Secretary of State for Health from 2009 to 2010. Burnham is associated with the soft left of the Labour Party. He identifies politically as a socialist and has often been cited as the most popular senior Labour figure.He joined the Labour Party aged 15 and subsequently attended Cambridge University.Burnham earned the "King of the North" moniker for his role campaigning to secure more furlough funding for Northern communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was dubbed King of the North by both the media and Northerners.Challenge ahead for BurnhamFor Burnham to formally challenge Starmer, he must first secure the support required under Labour Party rules. A leadership candidate needs nominations from at least 20 per cent of Labour MPs, currently 81 parliamentarians, along with backing from at least 5 per cent of local party branches or support from three affiliated organisations, including two trade unions.Given the level of unrest within the parliamentary party, many observers believe Burnham would have little difficulty reaching those thresholds. Starmer, however, has made clear that he has no intention of stepping aside voluntarily.Starmer has argued that a leadership contest would be damaging for both Labour and the country and has vowed to fight any challenge. Under Labour rules, a sitting leader is automatically placed on the ballot if they choose to defend their position.If Starmer does leave office this year, then Britain will get its seventh Prime Minister in 10 years.

Burnham's career has taken him parliament to the mayor's office in Greater Manchester and back again. Now, he faces his greatest political test.

Andy Burnham won a crunch by-election, securing a parliamentary seat and clearing the way for a widely expected leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labour's Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country.

Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, placing himself as a challenger to Starmer

Andy Burnham won a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, securing a pathway to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job. Joe Mayes was at the count, and explains what could happen next. (Source: Bloomberg)

In his victory speech, Burnham warned the Labour Party that it had a "final chance to change".

Andy Burnham,

Size of victory in Makerfield byelection has many allies hoping former Manchester mayor will be installed in No 10 within daysUK politics – live updatesHow quickly could Burnham become PM?Speaking hours before polls closed in Makerfield, a Downing Street source acknowledged a rare moment of doubt about the prime minister’s future. “Keir will fight on,” the source said, repeating the message to which Keir Starmer has stuck for several weeks. “Although, that might depend on the size of the majority.”In the end, Andy Burnham’s majority was so convincing that allies hope he can be installed in No 10 within days. Louise Haigh, the Labour MP who helped run Burnham’s campaign, said on Thursday night: “I hope that [Starmer] will consider an orderly and managed transition. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a decisive victory for the Labour Party in a by-election in the constituency of Makerfield with 54.8% of the vote, defeating Robert Kenyon from right-wing Reform UK, who secured 34.5%. Burnham's win forges a pathway to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job. Bloomberg's Ruth David reports. (Source: Bloomberg)

Keir Starmer congratulated Mr. Burnham for winning a key by-election, which paves the way for a widely expected leadership challenge against the beleaguered leader

The Greater Manchester mayor has won a return to the House of Commons and will seek to become British Prime Minister.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer

After his by-election win he is set to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party (and the country’s) leadership

What Andy Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election means for the prime minister.

The Greater Manchester mayor won the Makerfield by-election by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK

Burnham’s by-election win means he will now be able to trigger or take part in a contest to replace Starmer

Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK’s candidate by more than 9,000 votes

Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election raises questions about Keir Starmer future as PM.

Andy Burnham wins the closely watched Makerfield by-election, a result likely to intensify scrutiny of UK Prime Minister

Labour mayor Andy Burnham cleared a path to ousting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after decisively winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential local election in more than six decades. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor nicknamed the “King of the North”, won the contest in Makerfield in […]

The Greater Manchester Mayor's victory sets up what could be a bruising battle for the Labour leadership

LONDON (AP) — Labour’s Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country.

Labour's Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to challenge Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader.

Burnham indicates he wanted to counter the rise of polarising, populist politics

The Labour Party could be facing a leadership contest if Andy Burnham decides to challenge Sir Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham has won a historic contest for an open UK parliamentary seat, paving the way for the Greater Manchester mayor to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job. (Source: Bloomberg)

The by-election victory paves the way for Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership.

Newly elected MP has made clear that he intends to challenge Keir Starmer — but the prime minister’s response will shape the timeline

‘Manchesterism’ underpins the veteran politician’s plan for Britain. Here’s what Andy Burnham says he would do as prime minister

WIGAN, United Kingdom – Veteran UK Labour politician Andy Burnham emphatically won a crunch by-election on Friday, securing a parliamentary seat and clearing the way for a widely expected leadership challenge against beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham, a former government minister who has been Greater Manchester mayor since 2017, ensured his return to parliament by easily beating the hard-right Reform UK party’s candidate in the Makerfield constituency in northwest England. The 56-year-old longtime figure in centre-left Labour has indicated he will challenge Starmer for the party’s leadership, and to be prime minister, and needed to win the high-stakes vote […]...Keep on reading: Burnham wins key UK poll, paving way for bid to challenge PM Starmer

Labour mayor Andy Burnham cleared a path to be able to attempt to oust British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ‌after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on…

Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old Labour politician nicknamed the “King of the North”, stands poised to shake up the UK parliament.

Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old Labour politician nicknamed the “King of the North”, stands poised to shake up the UK parliament.

Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old Labour politician nicknamed the “King of the North”, stands poised to shake up the UK parliament.

Andy Burnham with supporters ahead of the Makerfield by-election. Photo: Reuters Labour mayor Andy Burnham cleared a path to be able to attempt to oust British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be most consequential local election in more than six decades.

Veteran UK Labour politician Andy Burnham emphatically won a crunch by-election on Friday, securing a parliamentary seat and clearing the way for a widely expected leadership challenge against beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labour mayor Andy Burnham ⁠cleared a path to ⁠be able to attempt to oust ⁠British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after winning a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday in what could be the most consequential local election in more than six decades. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor nicknamed the “King of the North”, won the contest in Makerfield in northwest England with ‌24,927 of the votes, while the candidate for Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party came second with 15,696...

Veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham won a historic by-election in Makerfield, defeating Reform UK and securing his return to parliament. The victory clears the way for a widely expected leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The victory cements Burnham's status as the top contender to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country.

Charismatic, northern and exuding a relaxed optimism, Mr. Burnham is a contrast to Keir Starmer. His allies hope he could mend Labour’s relationship with voters.

The Greater Manchester mayor has won a return to the House of Commons and will seek to become Prime Minister.

Veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham has indicated he will challenge Keir Starmer for party leadership and seek to become prime minister.

The mayor of Greater Manchester, who has vowed a leadership challenge to replace Starmer as prime minister, has come a step closer to power by securing a seat in Parliament.

Andy Burnham has secured his return to the House of Commons as his allies called on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to hand over power.

Andy Burnham said Labour had a "final chance to change" after his decisive win in the Makerfield by-election set up a showdown with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labour's Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham, a British Labour lifer, is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the country's top job after re-entering the House of Commons via a by-election.

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challenge  The GuardianWho Is Andy Burnham, the Man Who Could Be Britain’s Next Prime Minister?  The New York TimesReform UK gloomy about prospects in Makerfield, as one party source says Labour ahead by 2,500 votes – UK politics live  The GuardianRace for UK leadership looms after Prime Minister Starmer’s main rival Burnham wins seat in parliament  CNNAndy Burnham decisively wins Makerfield by-election  politico.eu

Andy Burnham won a historic contest for an open UK parliamentary seat, paving the way for the Greater Manchester mayor to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his job.

Greater Manchester mayor's victory in Makerfield clears path for bid to unseat Starmer as prime minister.

Andy Burnham with supporters on polling day.Andy Burnham is on course to be the next prime minister after winning the Makerfield by-election.The Greater Manchester mayor comfortably saw off the challenge of Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon to become an MP again after a nine-year absence from Westminster.It means he has taken a major step towards realising his ambition of replacing Keir Starmer as PM.Burnham admitted two weeks ago that he is ready to challenge Starmer, whose premiership has been hanging by a thread since Labour were thrashed in the local elections on May 7.Around 100 Labour MPs publicly called for Starmer to stand down, while several ministers – including health secretary Wes Streeting – also resigned in protest at his leadership.Former minister Josh Simons then triggered the Makerfield by-election by standing down as the constituency’s MP to give Burnham the chance to return to Westminster.Shortly after 3am on Friday, it was confirmed that Burnham had won with 24,937 votes, Robert Kenyon in second place with 15,696.His majority of 9,241 is nearly double the 5,399 votes Simons won the seat by in 2024 – a remarkable result given Labour trails well behind Reform in the national polls.Rebecca Shepherd of the right-wing Restore Britain party, which is led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, was third 3,111.The scale of his victory over Reform, which has led in the national opinion polls for nearly two years, means it is all-but inevitable that he will become PM.He already has the support of more than enough Labour MPs to challenge Starmer, and the clamour for him to take over will now become irresistible.Burnham’s victory also means a by-election will be held within weeks to choose the new mayor of Greater Manchester.Starmer has insisted that Labour’s focus should now turn to holding on to the mayoralty, and has said he will offer Burnham a job in his government.But sources close to Burnham have said he will reject any post, with his priority taking over from Starmer in No.10.Earlier this week, Streeting insisted he had enough support to mount a leadership bid.However, it remains to be seen whether he will end up challenging the PM or standing aside for Burnham.Starmer has repeatedly insisted that he will stand in any leadership contest, but is likely to come under intense pressure from some cabinet ministers to instead set out a timetable for his departure.In those circumstances, Burnham supporters would call for their man to take over without the need for a full-blown leadership contest.However, other leadership hopefuls could throw their hat into the ring, potentially teeing up a summer of uncertainty for the Labour Party.After being confirmed as the winner, Burnham said it was the “final chance” for Labour to change.He said: “This is what voters said to me on the hundreds of doorsteps I stood on. We must hear it, we must act upon it and we must get it right. There will be no second chance.“But it is a chance now to build a new politics based on unity and hope, tyrning sway from he path that takes us to a divided dark politics of the kind we see in the United States.“We mist now take this path and put this country back on the right path and bring people back together.”Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Will Turn Down Any Job Offer From Keir StarmerKeir Starmer Hints At Top Cabinet Job For Andy Burnham If He Wins By-ElectionPM Must Announce When He Is Quitting If Burnham Wins By-Election, Says Streeting

Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election and claims this 'could be the turning point' as he plans to launch an effort to oust Sir Keir Starmer

Exclusive: Andy Burnham has the nominations to trigger a leadership challenge  New StatesmanBurnham team tell ministers to delay resignations to avoid chaos  The GuardianHow could Andy Burnham become UK prime minister?  Financial TimesPM warns Burnham against immediate leadership challenge if he wins by-election  BBCStarmer remains defiant as leadership challenge inches closer  BBC

Burnham plans to present the list to Starmer to encourage him to stand down without a contest

Makerfield by-election: This may finally be the end for Starmer Submitted by Peter Oborne on Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:38 If Labour candidate Andy Burnham is victorious, the party could begin a much-needed process of renewal Supporters hold placards promoting Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election campaign in northwest England, on 22 May 2026 (Paul Ellis/AFP) Off British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will have mixed feelings as he awaits the result of today’s Makerfield by-election. As Labour leader, he will celebrate if his party wins. As prime minister, his survival depends on Labour losing. A victory for Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate, would be a personal catastrophe for the prime minister. A victorious Burnham would immediately travel to Westminster on a mission to destroy the Starmer premiership – meaning Starmer is all but finished.  This would be an unimaginable humiliation for a man elected as prime minister less than two years ago with one of the largest majorities in British political history. There is much discussion today about whether Starmer will fight to stay in office, or go quietly. It doesn’t matter. A bad tooth can be extracted using anaesthetic or, more painfully, without. The result is the same. In Downing Street, Burnham would start with one huge advantage: he is not Starmer.  People dislike Starmer. Burnham is friendly and warm, with a human touch that Starmer lacks. He has been a hugely successful mayor of Manchester. We shouldn’t pay too much attention to critics who carp that much of his success is down to others. That’s always true of politicians. A fighting chance Starmer never had a hope of defeating the far right. Burnham, with luck and skill, stands a chance. He comes from the north, a welcome change in a country that is governed from the south. But the main reason for supporting Burnham is that he can attract voters back to Labour by offering an alternative to the politics of bitterness and hatred that is tearing Britain apart. His wiser colleagues understand this. Ed Miliband, the energy security secretary and former Labour leader, could have stood himself. But he has chosen to play kingmaker instead. People will want Burnham to succeed. More than that, they will know they can’t afford for him to fail. Burnham is Labour’s last chance. The alternative is oblivion. Anyone who wants the Labour Party to survive, Britain to flourish and the far right to be humbled will hope and pray that Burnham succeeds Burnham also starts with one big disadvantage: Britain’s £3 trillion ($4 trillion) national debt. Burnham cannot buy popularity with spending schemes the way former Prime Minister Tony Blair could in the benign economic circumstances of the 1990s. Like it or not, the markets will not permit it. But there are important things that Burnham can do. To start with, he can mend the Labour Party.  It’s important to remember that Starmer was never, in truth, Labour leader. In reality, he was a useful tool for a small Labour Party faction, the ostensibly benign and well-meaning “think tank” called Labour Together. As investigative journalist Paul Holden demonstrated in his extraordinary work The Fraud: Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney, and the Crisis of British Democracy, Labour Together was a secret project, backed by illegally undeclared money, to capture Labour for a right-wing clique. It can usefully be regarded as the right-wing equivalent of Militant Tendency, which sought to capture Labour in the 1980s. McSweeney, the former Downing Street chief of staff forced out in the wake of the Peter Mandelson/Jeffrey Epstein affair, was the leader of the Labour Together faction. Mandelson was its godfather; Starmer its unwitting tool.  Undoing years of damage Labour Together secured the Labour leadership election with a dishonest pitch that tricked the party’s largely left-wing membership to vote for Starmer. Once leader, he reneged on the pledges that had won him the leadership – and set about turning viciously on the Labour left, driving many of them out of the party. In the short term, this strategy – carried out with the support of the Tory media – secured Starmer his massive parliamentary majority. But it split the Labour Party, leading directly to the rise of Zack Polanski’s Green Party. This explains today’s collapse of Labour support, and the deep personal unpopularity of Starmer.  A central question in British politics now is whether Burnham can undo the damage inflicted by Labour Together, and reunite Labour. Can Andy Burnham offer Labour a new destiny? Read More » The signs are mixed. There is gossip that Burnham may bring back David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, from his comfortable exile as well-paid charity boss (roughly $1.2m a year from the International Rescue Committee) in New York. Appointing David Miliband, a Blair protege, to a key position would send the wrong message while the carnage continues in Gaza. It is troubling that Josh Simons, the former director of Labour Together who stood down as a minister after being accused of spying on journalists, made way for Burnham in Makerfield and could ultimately form part of his team. But it is encouraging that MP Louise Haigh, reportedly one of the highest-profile victims of the Labour Together machine, is working with Burnham. Importantly, former chief of staff Sue Gray, another victim of Labour Together when she was driven out of her Downing Street job, is advising Burnham. She is synonymous with integrity. Burnham has been criticised for being cagey on policy. That’s understandable; he’s been fighting a by-election, not running the country. If he gets to Downing Street, he will have the opportunity to clean up British politics, promote social justice, fight the politics of hatred, and press forward with the agenda that Starmer spurned. Anyone who wants the Labour Party to survive, Britain to flourish and the far right to be humbled will hope and pray that Burnham succeeds. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye. UK Elections Opinion Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:29 Update Date Override 0

Keir Starmer isn’t on the ballot, but the U.K. prime minister’s future is on the line in a special election on Thursday. Voters in the Makerfield district of northwest England are electing a new lawmaker, and the leading contender is Andy Burnham of the governing Labour Party, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and oddsmakers’ favorite to be the next prime minister. If Burnham defeats a candidate from the anti-immigration party Reform UK and wins the seat for Labour, he’s almost certain to challenge the embattled Starmer for leadership of the party, and the country. Burnham has pledged that “if people put their trust in me, I will change politics” — a big promise for a politician who, if he wins, will be just one of 650 lawmakers in the House of Commons. But the scores of journalists from around the world who have flocked to Makerfield during the campaign are evidence that this is no normal by-election. In an election-day video, Burnham said he would take the fight for change “as high as I can possibly take it.” Polls close at 10 p.m. (2100GMT), with results due earl

The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted he will fight to stay in his role if a leadership challenge is launched by Andy Burnham. But before any such contest unfolds, Burnham must win a seat in parliament, which he is hoping to do on June 18 in a by-election in the Makerfield constituency. The race is expected to be tight, with Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon posing a credible opposition to the former Greater Manchester Mayor.

If Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection, many are predicting an immediate and stormy showdown. But that could be bad for both menOne of the many problems with our politics now is that only the loudest or most discordant voices seem to get heard. And there’s certainly no shortage of people from rival Labour camps mouthing off about what happens next if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection today. An apparently well-placed source in his team says they are preparing to launch an “immediate leadership challenge” against Keir Starmer on Friday morning, while another briefs that Burnham will hold off – but only for 72 hours because they dare not risk losing momentum. At the very least, there will be a steady escalation of threats and ultimatums.Meanwhile, the prime minister is said to be barricading himself into Downing Street, where he remains determined to contest a challenge and, according to some reports, will insist any member of the cabinet backing his rival must quit. For instance, some of his aides have been operating on the assumption that Ed Miliband, who has done little to conceal his desire for Starmer to go, will resign over the next week. Although this is vigorously denied by the energy secretary, along with claims that he is “ghosting” the prime minister’s calls, it has not stopped some hardline loyalists expressing unnecessary relish at the prospect of a more enforced cabinet departure for Miliband.Tom Baldwin is a former adviser to Ed Miliband and the author of Keir Starmer: The Biography Continue reading...

Polling stations have opened as Andy Burnham attempts to return to the Commons so he can challenge Keir Starmer.

Polling stations have opened as Andy Burnham attempts to return to the Commons so he can challenge Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer isn’t on the ballot, but the UK prime minister’s future is on the line in a special election on Thursday. Voters in the Makerfield district of northwest England are electing a new lawmaker, and the leading contender is Andy Burnham of the governing Labour Party, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and oddsmakers’ favourite to be the next prime minister. If Burnham defeats a candidate from the anti-immigration party Reform UK and wins the seat for Labour, he’s almost certain to...

Campaign posters for Andy Burnham and for the Reform UK party are displayed in the town of Ashton-in-Makerfield.It isn’t just the names of the 14 candidates which are on the ballot paper as voters in Makerfield go to the polls today.The fate of the prime minister is also in the hands of the seat’s 77,000 constituents as they decide who should represent them at Westminster.That is why the by-election is the most important in British politics in living memory.It was triggered by sitting MP Josh Simon’s extraordinary decision to voluntarily stand down to give Andy Burnham the chance to become an MP again after a nine year absence.The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, who has twice tried and failed to become the party’s leader, has made no secret of his ambition to become prime minister should he see off the challenge of Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon.Two weeks ago, during a special Makerfield edition of the BBC’s Question Time, he confirmed the worst kept secret in politics by admitting he will join any leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer in No.10.Wes Streeting – who quit as health secretary in protest at the PM’s leadership after Labour were thrashed in the local elections on May 7 – has already confirmed that he could launch his own bid for the top job within days.That means that, should Burnham emerge triumphant in the early hours of Friday morning, the clock will start ticking down on Starmer’s exit from Downing Street less than two years after he led Labour to a landslide general election victory.According to every opinion poll which has been published during the month-long by-election campaign, Burnham is on course to win.That would obviously be good news for him, as well as a massive relief for the Labour Party in a seat they have held since it was formed more than 40 years ago.And while Starmer would have to go through the motions of congratulating his leadership rival, he would also know that it would virtually guarantee that he will shortly become a former prime minister.Labour MPs terrified by the very real threat posed by Reform to their political futures will see in Burnham a potential saviour.Because be in no doubt, with Nigel Farage’s party continuing to lead in the national opinion polls and the government plumbing new depths of unpopularity, no other Labour candidate could have won the seat.Quite simply, the clamour in the Parliamentary Labour Party for Burnham to replace Starmer as prime minister will be irresistible.While Starmer may well be right when he says a Labour leadership election over the summer would mean “chaos” for the country, and is genuine in his determination to fight any challenge, the political reality is that it is a contest he is bound to lose.Despite Streeting’s insistence that he has the support of enough Labour MPs to throw his own hat into the ring, the most likely outcome would be a coronation for Burnham, possibly even before MPs go on their summer recess next month.Starmer would much rather Burnham took a job in his government and bided his time.The vanishingly small chance of that happening was extinguished on Wednesday afternoon when sources in Burnham’s camp made it clear he would reject any such offer.But the Makerfield result will not just throw up existential questions for the prime minister.If, as expected, Reform fail for the second by-election in a row following the Green Party’s triumph in Gorton and Denton, Farage will also have a lot of explaining to do.All things being equal, Makerfield – where two-thirds of voters backed Brexit a decade ago and Reform won all eight council warns on May 7 – should have been a shoo-in for the party.The choice of “plucky plumber” Robert Kenyon as their candidate was a huge gamble, given what they must surely have known about his social media history. Unless there is a massive upset, it is a gamble which will have failed.The level of support for Restore Britain, the even more right-wing party led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, will also be worth watching.Anything above 7% will suggest that Farage is facing a growing challenge on his right flank, in much the same way as he inflicted huge damage on the Tories when he himself was leader of Ukip.Whatever the result, Britain will wake up to a very political landscape on Friday morning, and things will not be the same again.Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Will Turn Down Any Job Offer From Keir StarmerPM Must Announce When He Is Quitting If Burnham Wins By-Election, Says StreetingExclusive: Andy Burnham Heading For Labour Leadership 'Coronation', Says Former Starmer Aide

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is hoping to emerge triumphant from a key local election Thursday that could propel the popular Labour party veteran to the UK premiership. Several figures within the centre-left party are positioning themselves to challenge the deeply unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham is standing as Labour’s candidate in Makerfield with the hope of returning to Parliament to oust Sir Keir Starmer.

If Andy Burnham wins a parliamentary seat in the early hours of Friday, it is inevitable he’ll launch an assault on Keir Starmer’s job.

If he wins Makerfield byelection, Greater Manchester mayor faces a number of scenarios in his bid to replace Keir StarmerThose who don’t pay much attention to politics could be forgiven for not being fully on top of this, but the UK could have a new prime minister soon – potentially within weeks.So how quickly could Andy Burnham replace Keir Starmer, if Burnham wins Thursday’s Makerfield byelection? Actually, quite quickly, but only if events go in a particular way. And there are plenty of alternate outcomes. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he becomes an MP again

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is fighting the notion his premiership is in terminal decline (Picture: Reuters) It’s hard to think of any point in the past two years when you would have envied Sir Keir Starmer. Everything has been pretty full-on for his entire spell as Prime Minister, with no shortage of ‘worst weeks of his premiership’. But even by those standards, things have been dire lately. In previous government catastrophes, Starmer has at least played a role – now, he seems to almost be a side character in his own downfall. If Andy Burnham wins in Makerfield tomorrow, we’re likely to see top members of the Cabinet agitating to shuffle him into No 10 at the earliest opportunity, arguing it’s better for the country if the transplant is carried out with little fuss. The PM has made it very clear he does not intend for that to happen. ‘I’m not going to walk away, I am going to fight,’ he told Beth Rigby of Sky News earlier today. Everything is changing, all the time Cut through political noise and understand how the Westminster chaos actually affects your life with Metro's politics newsletter Alright, Gov? Sign up here. And it’s not hard to see why. He believes winning the 2024 election gave him a five-year mandate, allowing him a bit of leeway to mess up and make wrong decisions before getting the country back on track ahead of the next election in 2029. Why should he get so little time to prove himself when the country was in such a state upon his arrival in Downing Street? Look at other Prime Ministers – Theresa May quit because she couldn’t achieve the one thing she set out to do. Boris Johnson quit because scandal was piling on top of scandal. Liz Truss quit because the economy couldn’t handle her. Where’s the precedent for a national leader being forced to step down just because they’re too chronically unpopular with the public? Andy Burnham on the campaign trail in Makerfield (Picture: Reuters) Of course, it’s more than that. It’s a sense that there’s a lack of political vision from Starmer, that he’s a man comfortable with minor tweaks to the status quo when the country is desperate for all-caps CHANGE. When John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary with the explosive accusation that the PM’s indecision was risking making the country less safe, it became near-impossible to imagine him staying in power. But still, Starmer is insistent that chucking him now would throw the country into chaos at a volatile moment in geopolitics. We saw his last roll of the dice earlier today in that same interview with Sky News, when he said he wanted the current Mayor of Greater Manchester ‘to have a big role in government’ if he wins the by-election. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page It was a plea to his MPs and party members, a promise that he could work with a man he is thought to strongly dislike if it means he can see out his term. Within four hours, the Manchester Evening News was quoting a ‘senior Labour source’ who said Burnham would turn down such an offer. If – and it is still an if – Makerfield goes his way, Andy Burnham is resolutely focused on the top job. And for Starmer, that means time is up. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

On Wednesday 17 June, Starmer said he would like to give Andy Burnham a “big role” in government should he win the Makerfield by-election. The question was this: would Burnham accept a job in the most unpopular government of his lifetime, or would he simply force Starmer out and take the top job for himself? […] By Willem Moore

The by-election in Makerfield on Thursday is a critical moment for UK premier Keir Starmer — in which a victory for his Labour rival Andy Burnham is widely expected to lead to an imminent leadership challenge.

Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that he wanted the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to 'have a big a role in government' if he wins the Makerfield byelection on Thursday, but said he did not plan to relinquish his leadership. Speaking to Sky’s Beth Rigby as he attended the G7 summit in the French spa town of Évian-les-Bains, Starmer said he did not think there should be a leadership contest, stressing: 'I am not going to walk away, I am going to fight'Keir Starmer signals he would give Andy Burnham a cabinet jobUK politics live – latest updates Continue reading...

Andy Burnham speaks during an interview during a campaign visit to the town of Ashton-in-Makerfield before the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, in Greater Manchester, England, Tuesday, June 9, 2026.Andy Burnham will turn down any job he is offered by Keir Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by-election.The prime minister hinted on Wednesday that he is prepared to give the Greater Manchester mayor a key post in his cabinet if he becomes an MP again after a nine-year absence from Westminster.He said: “Oh, Andy is a great asset. And, yes, I want him to have a big role in government.”But a source on Burnham’s campaign team insisted he will not accept a job from Starmer.The source told the Manchester Evening News: “The benefit Andy has is the wind of change for not having been associated with the government’s failings.”Burnham has already confirmed that he will join any leadership contest, which former health secretary Wes Streeting has said he was prepared to trigger as early as next week.The Burnham campaign source said Starmer’s job offer was an attempt to put “further challenges up” to his leadership bid.Burnham appears on course to defeat Reform UK’sRobert Kenyon to win in Makerfield.The PM has said that rather than be consumed by a leadership contest, Labour should instead focus on campaigning to win the resulting mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester.But Burnham supporters say the party’s best chance of winning is if Starmer has been replaced as PM before voters go to the polls. Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Keir Starmer Hints At Top Cabinet Job For Andy Burnham If He Wins By-ElectionWes Streeting Prepared To Launch Leadership Challenge Against Starmer Next WeekExclusive: Yvette Cooper Urged To Stand In Labour Leadership Contest

In a new interview with Sky’s Beth Rigby, Keir Starmer has said he wants Andy Burnham to “have a big role in government” if he wins the Makerfield by-election. What Starmer means is he wants Burnham to be a top level minister. The irony is Burnham will likely be the highest level minister possible – i.e. the […] By Willem Moore

Andy Burnham is widely predicted to oust UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer if he wins a crunch by-election for the parliamentary seat of Makerfield in northwest England.

Exclusive: Andy Burnham will not join Keir Starmer’s government if he wins the Makerfield by-election and returns to Westminster, a senior Labour source has said. Rob Williams reports

Andy Burnham must win a parliamentary by-election if he’s to challenge Keir Starmer for the top job

Andy Burnham is contesting the Makerfield by-election on Thursday

Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham in 2024.Keir Starmer has hinted that he will offer his main rival Andy Burnham a top job in his cabinet if he wins the highly-anticipated Makerfield by-election tomorrow.Burnham, currently the Greater Manchester mayor, has said he will join a leadership contest to oust the prime minister if he becomes an MP again.But the PM has said that would cause “chaos” and has instead hinted at giving Burnham a key role in his government instead.Sky News’ Beth Rigby asked Starmer at the G7 summit in France if he would bring Burnham into his cabinet if he wins in Makerfield.He replied: “Oh, Andy is a great asset. And, yes, I want him to have a big role in government. When I came in to...”Rigby cut in: “Are you going to call him at the weekend and invite him back into your cabinet?”“Well I’m sure I’ll talk to Andy after the weekend, of course I will,” Starmer said. “I’ve spoken to him many times in recent weeks. and when I came into politics in 2015, it was Andy Burnham’s team that I joined, and we worked very well together. “He’s a huge asset. He’s been a fantastic mayor in Manchester. And if he comes back into parliament, I hope he wins in the by-election. He’ll be a fantastic asset for our party and for the country.”Burnham spent 16 years working as the Labour MP for Leigh before he stepped down to run as Greater Manchester mayor.He also served as a cabinet minister under Gordon Brown and a junior minister under Tony Blair.If he wins the Makerfield seat, a mayoral election will be triggered in Greater Manchester.The prime minister insisted that Labour should focus on that contest rather than a leadership challenge if the party is successful in the by-election.Asked if he believes it is incumbent on Burnham to secure a Labour mayor in Greater Manchester before making waves in Westminster, Starmer said: “I would say to the whole of the Labour Party and that whole Labour movement, we’re straight into a Manchester mayoralty.“It is really important that we win that, because this is one of the huge moralities in the north-west and really important to us and to devolution more generally.”Pressed on whether he is angry at the predicament he is in and if he blames himself, Starmer replied: “No, I don’t feel angry, I don’t feel bitter, because I remind myself it is an incredible privilege to be the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.”The PM also said he “wants” to lead the Labour Party into the next general election.The interview comes after ex-health secretary Wes Streeting announced he is preparing to launch a leadership challenge against his old boss next week.At a press conference on Tuesday, Streeting called on the PM to say when he plans to leave No.10 if Burnham wins the by-election.He said: “When the results are in, I hope the prime minister will at that stage reflect on his own position and set out a timetable.”Burnham has already said he will join any Labour leadership contest.But Starmer suggested he would not step aside for anyone to replace him, telling Sky: “I’m not going to walk away. I’m going to fight.”Related...Wes Streeting Prepared To Launch Leadership Challenge Against Starmer Next WeekJohn Healey Hits Out At Keir Starmer And Rachel Reeves In Resignation SpeechKeir Starmer's Time As PM Is Nearing Its End – He Just Doesn't Seem To Realise It Yet

Former health secretary Wes Streeting also threatened to launch a leadership contest if the prime minister did not set out a timetable to step downGood morning. Keir Starmer is still in France for the G7 summit but – as Margaret Thatcher discovered on a trip to Paris in November 1990 – acting as a statesman on the world stage does not protect a PM from a leadership challenge at home and, on that front, there has been a small development overnight; Starmer is now being told explicitly he will face a leadership challenge next week if he does not agree a timetable to stand down after the Makerfield byelection tomorrow.This has always been implicit, but last night Wes Streeting, the former health secretary who wants to launch a leadership bid, said it out loud.We can’t go on with this uncertainty. I think we will inevitably end up in a contest.I’ve given you my answer.Well, I’m sure I’ll talk to Andy after the weekend, of course I will. I’ve spoken to him many times in recent weeks. And when I came into politics in 2015, it was Andy Burnham’s team that I joined, and we worked very well together.He’s a huge asset, he’s been a fantastic mayor in Manchester and if he comes back into parliament – I hope he wins in the byelection – he’ll be a fantastic asset for our party and for the country. Continue reading...

Keir Starmer praised Andy Burnham as a 'fantastic asset' and said he wanted him to have a 'big role' in Government if he wins the Makerfield by-election tomorrow.

Keir Starmer praised Andy Burnham as a 'fantastic asset' and said he wanted him to have a 'big role' in Government if he wins the Makerfield by-election tomorrow.

Keir Starmer holds out prospect of cabinet job for Andy Burnham  Financial TimesPM warns Burnham against immediate leadership challenge if he wins by-election  BBCStreeting says he would be prepared to trigger leadership contest as early as next week  BBCKeir Starmer signals he would give Andy Burnham a cabinet job  The GuardianUrged to consider his position, Starmer warns against UK leadership challenge  Reuters

Speaking from the G7 summit amid growing threats to his leadership, Sir Keir Starmer described Andy Burnham as a ‘huge asset to our party and our movement’

Keir Starmer has signalled he would offer the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a position in his Cabinet if he is re-elected as an MP in this week's Makerfield by-election

The Prime Minister faces a leadership challenge as early as Friday morning if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election.

Keir Starmer signals he would give Andy Burnham a cabinet job  The GuardianPM warns Burnham against immediate leadership challenge if he wins by-election  BBCStarmer: Leadership Contest Would be 'Bad Thing' for UK  BBCWes Streeting has set out his stall and should be applauded for it  The TimesStarmer rival predicts when leadership challenge will happen  Sky News

With Burnham predicted to win Makerfield byelection, talk is turning to who would join him if he replaced Keir StarmerUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham looks on the brink of returning to Westminster this weekend if polls showing he is heading for victory in the Makerfield byelection are to be believed. It is now clear his intention is to seek to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister as early as possible.Talk in Westminster has turned to who could be part of setting the direction of a Burnham government. There are big questions over some of the key alliances – and whether Starmer would fight any challenge from Burnham, which could stall his advance on Downing Street. Here are the influential figures around the Greater Manchester mayor – and how they may fit in government. Continue reading...

Prime minister’s pledge comes as Labour and Reform UK insiders claim Andy Burnham faces ‘tight’ by-election race

Business leaders in the capital spoke out as polls suggests Mr Burnham could soon be back in Parliament to launch a bid to replace Sir Keir Starmer

Possible challengers to Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister are already jockeying for position

Mr Burnham hopes to win Thursday’s Makerfield by-election and could then launch a campaign to replace Sir Keir as prime minister and Labour leader

Labour MPs question whether Burnham is best choice as leader  The TelegraphPersonal resentments loom over Andy Burnham’s showdown with Keir Starmer  Financial TimesBurnham’s nerves about becoming PM are good thing, say allies  The TelegraphKeir Starmer aides ‘war-gaming’ leadership contest with Andy Burnham  The GuardianBurnham Plans Swift Power Grab as Starmer’s Premiership Teeters  Bloomberg

Andy Burnham will almost certainly launch a campaign to replace Sir Keir Starmer, writes Sunday Mail Opinion.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a leadership coup within hours of Thursday's by-election in Makerfield if Andy Burnham wins the crunch contest, Labour MPs have said.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a leadership coup within hours of Thursday's by-election in Makerfield if Andy Burnham wins the crunch contest, Labour MPs have said.

Stanley Reed Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. The post In Britain, an Election That Could Mark the Beginning of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s End appeared first on The Nation.

Personal resentments loom over Andy Burnham’s showdown with Keir Starmer  Financial TimesHow the contest is shaping up two weeks ahead of crucial Makerfield by-election  BBCBurnham’s premiership may not be all that different  politico.euStarmer braced for exodus as Burnham readies top team  The IndependentWhat would Andy Burnham do if he becomes Prime Minister?  LabourList

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions in parliament in London, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)Keir Starmer could hardly have been more unequivocal when asked yet again whether he would fight any Labour leadership contest.“I don’t think it should happen, but if it does then I will fight,” the prime minister said on Friday.“And let me just be clear with you. That’s not about personal vanity, it’s not about stubbornness. It’s out of a very deep sense of duty.”Allies of the PM describe him as “frustrated” and “angry” that his future is even up for debate less than two years after leading his party to a landslide election victory.But whether he likes it or not, it is.Former health secretary Wes Streeting has already said he will challenge Starmer, while Andy Burnham will also join any contest should he, as expected, win next week’s Makerfield by-election.James `Lyons, who was director of communications in No.10 until last year, summed up the slightly surreal situation British politics now finds itself in.“The full weight of the Labour Party’s still very considerable campaign machine is behind Andy Burnham to deliver the result that could end up with the prime minister being ousted,” he told HuffPost UK’s Commons People podcast.Lyons said Starmer himself “will still think he can turn it round”, but that reality will hit him if Burnham’s victory is confirmed in the early hours of next Friday morning.“If it looks like Andy’s there, then I think that’s the time to start having some conversations about whether’s it’s in his interests or the country’s interests to have some sort of stable and orderly transition,” he said.Any lingering chance that Starmer could ride out his latest crisis were killed off by defence secretary John Healey’s excoriating resignation letter on Thursday hitting out at the lack of cash being made available in the government’s Defence Investment Plan.“The excellent and extensive cross-government work that completed in January – overseen by you, me and the chancellor – confirmed the scale of the challenge and the rising demands on defence,” Healey wrote.“Since then, you have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats.”Healey’s message was even more impactful given his status as one of the cabinet’s most loyal ministers.“John is both the most decent and most hardworking person in British politics,” one ally told HuffPost UK.“People tend to forget that he was a Treasury minister or many years, so really understands what he’s been dealing with.“His resignation letter was equal parts science, art and moral philosophy. And he will have agonised over every single word and phrasing.”Healey’s bombshell made it all the more likely that Burnham will quickly become the next prime minister should he see off the challenge from Reform’s UK’s Robert Kenyon in Makerfield.A Labour source said: “Until John’s resignation, I was imagining a scenario where a more marginal win for Andy might allow an orderly transition over an extended period of time, or even an early Keir v Andy contest leading to the PM hanging on before making a call on his own future in a year’s time.“But I think John going has made the period ahead much more difficult to predict.”Andy Burnham stands with supporters during the launch of his campaign as Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election in Makerfield, England, Friday, May 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)Sitting outside Burnham’s HQ, the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club, Labour campaign boss Louise Haigh MP insisted they were taking nothing for granted.She said: “We think it’s going to be close. Reform got 50% of the vote here a month ago, so we’re having to persuade people who voted Reform just a few weeks ago to come over to us, so it’s a really big ask.“But what is absolutely clear is the Burnham bounce is real and that no other Labour candidate could be in contention.”The campaign’s efforts in the run-up to polling day will be focused on the 16% of voters who are still undecided. If enough of them break for Burnham, then his path to 10 Downing Street becomes clear.HuffPost UK has learned that Burnham supporters at Westminster are already gathering nominations for his leadership bid should he win next Thursday.They hope to collect far more than the 81 required to trigger a contest, thereby creating a sense of unstoppable momentum which they believe would be enough to quickly see him sweep to power.Lyons, who saw Starmer work up close during his time in No.10, said: “I think there’s every chance that what we will see is a coronation and we will see a significant number of MPs nominating Andy in a way that makes it very difficult for the prime minister to fight on.“I know in his heart he will want to [fight on], he definitely feels he is the best person to be leading the country during this omni-crisis that has been created by the conflict in the Middle East and the conflict in Europe.“Under those circumstances, if a sizeable proportion of the parliamentary party don’t want you, I think it’s very hard to carry on.”Keir Starmer’s belief that he should fight on to save his job is undoubtedly sincere.But it will soon become apparent that it is a battle he will lose and should therefore be avoided.Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Exclusive: Andy Burnham Heading For Labour Leadership 'Coronation', Says Former Starmer AideDefence Secretary John Healey Resigns After Spending Bust-Up With Keir StarmerAnalysis: John Healey's Brutal Resignation Is The Final Nail In Keir Starmer's Coffin

Keir Starmer latest: I will fight Burnham for leadership, says PM  The TelegraphKeir Starmer aides ‘war-gaming’ leadership contest with Andy Burnham  The GuardianWhat would Andy Burnham do if he becomes Prime Minister?  LabourListBurnham’s premiership may not be all that different  politico.euExclusive: Andy Burnham Heading For Labour Leadership 'Coronation', Says Former Starmer Aide  HuffPost UK

Andy Burnham speaks during the launch of his campaign as Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election in Makerfield, England, Friday, May 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)Andy Burnham is likely to become Labour leader and prime minister without a contest if he wins next week’s Makerfield by-election, a former aide to Keir Starmer has said.James Lyons told the HuffPost UK podcast Commons People that “we will see a significant number of MPs nominating Andy in a way that makes it very difficult for the prime minister to fight on”.In those circumstances, Lyons said Starmer could agree to “some sort of stable and orderly transition” to Burnham.The prime minister has told ministers that he will stand in a Labour leadership contest if one is triggered.But Lyons, who was No.10 director of communications between 2024 and 2025, said that once his former boss is confronted with the reality of the situation he faces, he will be forced to think again.He said: “The prime minister can survive, the question is ‘will he’, and I think if Andy Burnham is elected next Thursday, I don’t think he will.“I think there’s every chance that what we will see is a coronation and we will see a significant number of MPs nominating Andy in a way that makes it very difficult for the prime minister to fight on.“I know in his heart he will want to [fight on], he definitely feels he is the best person to be leading the country during this omni-crisis that has been created by the conflict in the Middle East and the conflict in Europe.“Under those circumstances, if a sizeable proportion of the parliamentary party don’t want you, I think it’s very hard to carry on.”Lyons added: “All things are possible on this earth, but if an overwhelming majority of the parliamentary party have said they’re backing somebody else I think it’s very, very hard to carry on.“Of course he’s going to say that he’s going to fight, you saw that with Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Right until the last they said they were going to fight, and that’s the right thing to do.“But come the early hours of next Friday morning, if it looks like Andy’s there, then I think that’s the time to start having some conversations about whether’s it’s in his interests or the country’s interests to have some sort of stable and orderly transition.”Keir Starmer is running out of time in No.10.Burnham is currently the clear favourite to see off the challenge of Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon and win next Thursday’s by-election.He has confirmed that he will join any Labour leadership contest, with former health secretary Wes Streeting also saying he will throw his hat into the ring.But Lyons said that even if Burnham loses, Starmer could still be replaced without the need for a leadership election.He said: “I still think there’s a chance that people think the stakes are so high that they coalesce around another candidate.“One of the names that’s been doing the rounds is Ed Miliband. I think Yvette Cooper is also underpriced. A lot of people in the Parliamentary Labour Party think it’s time that Labour had a woman prime minister.“Anything could happen, but perhaps the bigger question is whether the Labour Party is a viable political vehicle if Andy Burnham can’t win Makerfield. It’s not obvious to me that the answer is yes.”To listen to the full interview with James Lyons, as well as our report from Makerfield, download Commons People from wherever you get your podcastsRelated...Andy Burnham Says He Agrees With Nigel Farage On Housing Asylum Seekers'Breathtaking Arrogance': Lisa Nandy Slaps Down Labour MP As Pair Clash Over Andy BurnhamStarmer 'Getting On With The Job' As Andy Burnham Prepares To Oust Him As PM

Prime minister is ‘hellbent’ on fighting any contest - including sacking ministers who support BurnhamUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer’s closest aides are “war-gaming” how to win a leadership contest ahead of Andy Burnham’s much-anticipated return to Westminster if he wins the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian understands.Downing Street sources said the prime minister had taken the last fortnight to think seriously about his future but was now “hellbent” on fighting any contest. His team is working through various scenarios, including sacking ministers who publicly supported Burnham. Continue reading...

Keir Starmer has been vowing to fight a challenge - which could come within weeks if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election next Thursday.

Keir Starmer has been vowing to fight a challenge - which could come within weeks if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election next Thursday.

‘Manchesterism’ underpins the Labour mayor’s plan for Britain. Here’s what Andy Burnham says he would do as prime minister

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is running for a seat in Parliament. It’s a vital step in a campaign to oust his party colleague Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham meet with school children at a primary school in Ashton-under-Lyne in April.Downing Street insists Keir Starmer is is “getting on with the job” as he tries to push through major policies in what could be his final weeks in No.10.On Monday, the prime minister gave tech companies three months to introduce measures to prevent children sending and receiving explicit images on their mobile phones.“This is not an impossible challenge,” the PM said in a speech at London Tech Week. “These are some of the most innovative companies in the world and I believe they can solve it.“But if they choose not to, then we will act and we will change the law because when it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option.”The PM is also expected to finally unveil the government’s long-awaited defence investment plan ahead of a Nato summit being held in Turkey next month.All of this activity is taking place against the backdrop of next week’s Makerfield by-election, when Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham appears on course to become an MP once again.An opinion poll last week gave him a 10-point lead over his Reform UK rival, Robert Kenyon, and one Labour MP who has knocked on doors in the seat told HuffPost UK that “feels about right”.Burnham admitted last week that he plans to replace Starmer as PM, with speculation mounting that he could launch his leadership bid within days of his return to Westminster.The prime minister’s official spokesman denied that Starmer is in a hurry to create a legacy he can point to if his time in office is entering its final weeks.He said: “The prime minister has made it clear that he is very much focused on the job in hand as the PM.″[The tech announcement] is further evidence of the prime minister being determined to take action when it puts people at risk. “He is getting on with the job and delivering for the British people in a number of different ways.”Allies of Starmer have made it clear that he will definitely stand in any leadership contest, with former health secretary Wes Streeting also insisting that he plans to throw his hat into the ring.Despite the sudden burst of activity emanating from No.10, Westminster is currently in a holding pattern as we await the verdict of the people of Makerfield.Whether Burnham wins or loses, it still seems certain that Starmer will face a leadership challenge.A month may have passed since the May 7 elections which saw Labour thrashed in England, Scotland and Wales, but the feelings of anger and disenchantment are still raw among the party’s MPs.Starmer may well be “getting on with the job” right now, but it is unlikely that he will be able to for much longer.Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Is On Course To Win In Makerfield – But Big Problems Lie Ahead For LabourAndy Burnham Confirms He Will Challenge Keir Starmer If He Wins Makerfield By-ElectionGreens Reject Calls To Stand Aside For Andy Burnham In Makerfield By-Election

Cabinet ministers are bracing for a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership as early as the end of June if Andy Burnham succeeds in the Makerfield by-election

Labour MPs backing the Prime Minister said he 'is not going anywhere' amid a push to prevent a coronation for Mr Burnham as Sir Keir's replacement.

Labour MPs backing the Prime Minister said he 'is not going anywhere' amid a push to prevent a coronation for Mr Burnham as Sir Keir's replacement.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was indignant when a broadcaster challenged him this week over his refusal to spell out wider ambitions for higher office beyond winning the special election he’s fighting.

A "Vote Andy For Us" sign in a garden in makerfield.First, we’ll start of with good news for Andy Burnham. It looks as though he is all-but certain to win the Makerfield by-election.With less than a fortnight to go until polling day on June 18, opinion polls – and the increasingly-confident Labour campaign team – suggest he holds a comfortable lead over Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon.The most recent survey of voter opinion in the constituency puts Burnham on 49%, fully 10 points ahead of Kenyon on 39%.Barring an unforeseen crisis, and in politics that can never be ruled out entirely, the Greater Manchester mayor will soon return to Westminster after a nine-year hiatus.We now know, as Burnham himself confirmed on Question Time on Thursday night, that he will then move quickly to replace Keir Starmer and become Britain’s next prime minister.It would be the culmination of a lifetime’s ambition for the former cabinet minister, who has twice tried and failed to become Labour leader before.Burnham, the so-called “King of the North”, has vowed to change both the Labour Party and the way politics is done at Westminster, with a greater emphasis on public control of essential services and an end to 40 years of Thatcherite neoliberal economic theory.With just three years to go until the next general election – he has already ruled out going to the country early – he is clearly a man in a hurry.But his eagerness to depose Starmer and seize the crown has not gone down well with many of the Labour MPs he will rely on to get his agenda through the Commons – and is storing up trouble for the future.“He’s an arsehole,” one backbencher told HuffPost UK. “All Andy cares about is himself. Loyal, hardworking MPs don’t want to support a coup and will now not go campaigning for him in the by-election.”Another MP said: “Those who had already decided not to go and campaign for him now have the perfect excuse.”Burnham’s admission that he plans to challenge Starmer has “gone down like a lead balloon” in the Labour ranks, an MP said.“I don’t understand why he’s in such a rush,” the MP said. “It would have been plausible for him to come back and be offered a role by Keir, but he’s obviously decided he doesn’t want to do that and instead wants to move against the PM as soon as he gets back.“It’s typical of Andy to act without thinking it through. People are furious with him.”A minister said: “Plausible deniability that he was after the leadership was at least making it feel like what he is doing was within the rules.“Now every door we knock in Makerfield is contributing to the instability of the government.”Burnham has insisted he is sticking by his pledge to end parliament’s whipping system, whereby party managers tell MPs which way to vote and discipline those who rebel.Instead, he has said he will rely on the “collective wisdom” of Labour MPs, effectively allowing them to vote with their consciences rather than necessarily take the government line.If he doesn’t want his agenda to be upended, therefore, he needs to get his own backbenchers onside from the start. But one said: “If you are simultaneously saying you’ll ease off whipping and also angering your colleagues, that does not bode well for the future of a putative Burnham administration.”Another backbencher said they expected any boost Labour receives from a new PM to be short-lived.“We’ll get the briefest of bounces before people realise that Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Iran and Vladimir Putin have not changed,” he said.Voters in Makerfield could be about to choose Britain's next prime minister.No.10 were quick to respond to Burnham’s Question Time announcement, insisting the PM will not “walk away” from the job he was elected to do in July, 2024.“The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hardworking people, not get distracted by Westminster debates,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and it has not been triggered.”Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who quit the cabinet in the wake of Labour’s disastrous performance in the May 7 elections, has already said he will stand in any leadership contest.Burnham appeared to use that as cover for his own leadership ambitions, telling the Question Time audience: “I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it.“But I’d have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same. So that’s the only question.”But an MP accused Burnham of “insulting our intelligence”.“Wes doesn’t have the numbers and Andy has been planning this since the general election,” the MP said.“We can all see as plain as day what’s happened and trying to imply it’s a response to what Wes has said is disgraceful.”Another minister, however, said Labour MPs should park any reservations they have about Burnham and do everything they can to get him elected.“The alternative is Reform winning the seat, and if that happens, we are totally fucked,” he said.“Andy’s got a strong personal vote and a strong campaign message, that places like Makerfield have been forgotten about and he’s the man to change that.“We need to get behind him, and whatever happens after that will take care of itself.”Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Confirms He Will Challenge Keir Starmer If He Wins Makerfield By-ElectionAndy Burnham Launches Makerfield By-Election Campaign With 'Clarion Call For Change'Question Time Audience Member Savages 'Sexist' Reform By-Election Candidate

Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham wants to enter a Labour leadership race if one is launched

Andy Burnham used his appearance on BBC Question Time last night to announce that he will challenge Keir Starmer for […] The post Burnham announces he will challenge Starmer for Labour leadership if he wins Makerfield by-election appeared first on Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate.

Downing Street responded after Andy Burnham publicly admitted that he would consider launching a bid to become Labour leader‘I wouldn’t flinch’: Burnham on social care, markets, Brexit – and the prospect of a general electionHello and welcome to our UK politics blog.David Lammy has come out in support of the prime minister, saying Keir Starmer would fight in a leadership contest after Andy Burnham said he would join one if elected an MP. Continue reading...

The Greater Manchester mayor has opened up a 10-point lead with voters in the seat two weeks out from the potentially seismic vote that could ultimately result in Sir Keir being forced from power.

Labour mayor Andy Burnham has signalled he would run in any leadership race against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying that if he won a bye-election later this month he would seek to join any challenge against the British leader.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed for the first time his intention to challenge Keir Starmer to be Britain’s prime minister, drawing immediate criticism from the premier who vowed not to walk away from the job. “If I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence,” Burnham said in an episode of the BBC’s Question Time. He cited the ambitions of his top rival, former health secretary Wes...

The Greater Manchester mayor has previously heavily hinted but ducked out of confirming he would stand against Sir Keir Starmer if he wins a Westminster seat on June 18.

Greater Manchester mayor says he will aim to join a Labour leadership race if he wins upcoming by-election

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed for the first time his intention to challenge Keir Starmer to be Britain’s prime minister if he wins a parliamentary by-election in two weeks.

Andy Burnham has made clear he will seek to challenge Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party… The post Andy Burnham announces he will challenge Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party if elected in Makerfield appeared first on LabourList.

Andy Burnham wants to be the next prime minister.Andy Burnham has confirmed he will challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he wins the Makerfield by-election.The Greater Manchester mayor admitted he will launch his bid to be the next prime minister on a special edition of BBC Question Time.Burnham is going head-to-head with Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon when voters in Makerfield go to the polls on June 18.He has previously said he wants to become an MP again to “change Labour” – but stopped short of admitting he wants to replace Starmer as party leader and PM. More than 90 Labour MPs publicly called for Starmer to resign in the wake of last month’s elections, in which the party was humiliated in England, Wales and Scotland.Cabinet ministers Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband, John Healey and David Lammy – the deputy PM – have also urged Starmer privately to name a date for his departure.Health secretary Wes Streeting also resigned, and has said he will run in any future leadership election.Asked directly on Question Time whether he will challenge the PM if he wins the by-election, Burnham said: “I’m not somebody who gets ahead of myself. I can’t do anything unless I’m lucky enough to get the support of people here.“But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence.“I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it.“But I’d have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same. So that’s the only question.“I’ve heard on so many doorsteps and I’ve said to my team, let’s have a proper look at this and let’s develop a policy.”Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Andy Burnham Accuses Blair Of Not 'Understanding What's Going On' As Labour Row DeepensAndy Burnham Launches Makerfield By-Election Campaign With 'Clarion Call For Change'Andy Burnham Confirmed As Labour Candidate In Crunch Makerfield By-Election

Exclusive: Greater Manchester mayor sets out his priorities before Makerfield byelection – and what might happen after the voteAndy Burnham has signalled he would begin transforming the broken social care system this year if he became prime minister, he has said, accusing Westminster of “flinching away” from tackling difficult policy problems.The Greater Manchester mayor said politicians must be willing to take on “the weight of the system” that stands in the way of radical change, as he began to set out his prospectus for government if he won the Makerfield byelection.Labour should be a broad church with more government ministers from the left of the party, but that Jeremy Corbyn should not be allowed back in.Signalled there would be no snap election if he replaced Keir Starmer, but defended himself from criticism over a shadow leadership campaign.Defended his comments that politicians should not be “in hock” to the bond markets, and denied he was boxing himself in by sticking to Rachel Reeves’s fiscal rules.Argued it would be a mistake to rerun the Brexit referendum but the he wanted the UK to rejoin the EU in his lifetime.Praised Shabana Mahmood for “facing up” to the big issues on immigration. Continue reading...

On 1 June, Keir Starmer’s government released more of Peter Mandelson’s emails. Among those who spoke out in response was Andy Burnham – the Greater Manchester mayor who’s currently maneuvering to replace Starmer as PM. Burnham is running on a platform of ‘change’, but as we’ll get into, there’s not much evidence to suggest he’ll […] By Willem Moore

In these quite frankly desperate times for British progressivism, with Keir Starmer’s deeply unpopular government crumbling under the weight of its own timid orthodoxy, many on the left are (still) casting about for a saviour. Enter Andy Burnham, the apparent “King of the North”, Greater Manchester Mayor, and newly energised contender for the Labour leadership. […] By Rachael Swindon

Andy Burnham and Tony BlairAndy Burnham has hit back at Tony Blair after the former Labour prime minister urged the party not to go further left.The Greater Manchester mayor is currently campaigning for the Makerfield by-election so he can get a seat in parliament and challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership.He has promised to implement change after what he has described as “40 years of neoliberalism.”While the ex-PM told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme that he hopes Burnham – who used to serve in Blair’s government – wins the crunch Makerfield contest, he questioned his analysis.Blair said: “We’re in 2026. Let’s go back to 1986. So we assume he doesn’t mean the first seven years of Margaret Thatcher. So back to the 70s? Nothing good in that period of Thatcher with the business community or New Labour?“I don’t think he [Burnham] really means that, but what I’m saying is if you’re going to change leader you’ve really got to force people to say where they stand.”He also called for Labour to govern from the “radical centre”.But Burnham suggested to The Observer that Blair was missing the point, saying: ”[He] criticises my phrase about 40 years of neoliberalism but the last 40 years has given us wide inequality – that’s what’s responsible for the abandonment of the centre.“People don’t think the centre has delivered for them in terms of their lives, therefore they’ve gone further to the extremes.” It comes after Blair penned at 5,600 word essay calling for Labour to take a completely new approach to its policies rather.The ex-PM accused Labour of suffering from a “perennial delusion”, believing “that when we lose seats to the right the country is really signalling it wants Labour to move left”.He also claimed the party was “playing with fire” by trying to replace Starmer without first deciding on a different policy direction, and therefore risks consigning the UK to “relegation from the Premier League of nations”.But Burnham tore into Blair’s vision of what the UK should look like.“He doesn’t mention inequality once,” he said. “If you don’t get how that’s driving politics now, if you are not rooting your analysis in the fact that people are unable to live and that things that were taken for granted are no longer affordable, then you are not understanding what’s going on.”Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Greens Reject Calls To Stand Aside For Andy Burnham In Makerfield By-ElectionAndy Burnham Launches Makerfield By-Election Campaign With 'Clarion Call For Change'Andy Burnham Confirmed As Labour Candidate In Crunch Makerfield By-Election

Officially, Andy Burnham is running to be the MP for Makerfield. Unofficially, he’s running to replace Keir Starmer as the prime minister. The problem is we don’t have a good idea of how Burnham will govern in office; the other problem is the signs are pointing towards him being Starmer 2.0. As a result of […] By Willem Moore

Josh Halliday on why Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is tipped to be the future Labour leader … if he wins the Makerfield byelectionThe mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is running in the Makerfield byelection in June. Winning a seat as an MP would open up his chance to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour party leadership.“He’s expressed multiple times that politics doesn’t work for most of the country,” the Guardian’s north of England editor, Josh Halliday, tells Nosheen Iqbal. “We live in far too much of a London-centric, over-centralised political system. Continue reading...

Jess Phillips, who recently resigned as a Government minister, said she believes there will be a leadership battle regardless of whether Mr Burnham returns as an MP or not.

Supporters say PM is ‘tough’ but few are prepared to state categorically that he would fight a leadership contest if Greater Manchester mayor wins Makerfield

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said support for him would be a "vote to change Labour" as he launched his campaign to return to Westminster and potentially challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that he would campaign alongside Andy Burnham in the crucial by-election

The Prime Minister sought to regain control of the political agenda with a series of announcements on the cost of living.

Keir Starmer confirmed today he will go to Makerfield to campaign for leadership rival Andy Burnham in a by-election that could end up costing him his job.

The Prime Minister said he wanted the ‘whole Labour movement’ to be involved in the vital by-election

New polling suggests the Mayor of Greater Manchester would beat Sir Keir Starmer in a head-to-head Labour leadership fight

Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the Labour Party’s candidate in an election for a vacant House of Commons seat, a contest that will determine whether he can challenge Keir Starmer for the prime minister’s job.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham goes for run near his home this morning.Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate in next month’s crunch Makerfield by-election.The Greater Manchester mayor was the only name put forward to stand for the party.It comes after Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) confirmed that it would not block his attempts to return to parliament.It sets up a titanic battle between Burnham and the Reform UK candidate, who will be named later this week.This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

YouGov polling reveals support for prospective challenger, with members believing Starmer could not secure another victory Reform UK launched online attack adverts against Andy Burnham, depicting him as an opportunist and a carpetbagger in the Makerfield byelection.These adverts might have worked if Burnham had ended up standing as a candidate in Norwich South (where the Labour MP, Clive Lewis, once casually suggested he might be willing to give up his seat for Burnham). But Burnham grew up in this area, he sent his children to school in the constituency and he lives just outside it. By any reasonable definition, he qualifies as a local candidate (one reason by Benedict Pringle, who writes a blog about political advertising, says these adverts are not particularly strong). Continue reading...

With Keir Starmer under fire, it is Manchester’s mayor who looks to be the key challenger.

Expected candidate in Makerfield byelection says party ‘needs to change if we are to regain people’s trust’Andy Burnham drew the battle lines for the future of the Labour party on Monday as the Greater Manchester mayor promised he would “change Labour” and win back the voters the party had lost.Burnham, who is expected to be Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield byelection, claimed it would be no ordinary campaign and said he would make it about national issues where Labour was failing, in a direct challenge to the prime minister. Continue reading...

Andy Burnham may already be facing a tricky obstacle in his push to return to Westminster. Past comments about rejoining the EU have come back to haunt him, particularly given that the Makerfield constituency voted overwhelmingly to leave in the Brexit referendum. Plus, Wes Streeting has confirmed he will stand in any leadership contest, raising fresh questions about where all this leaves Keir Starmer Continue reading...

Andy Burnham hopes to use the Makerfield by-election to return to Parliament where he could mount a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.

The Greater Manchester mayor is lining up a third attempt to be Labour leader - but must get back to Westminster first.

Andy Burnham leaving his home before going to Wembley to watch the FA Cup Final.Former Labour members are returning to the party to help Andy Burnham win win the crunch Makerfield by-election, HuffPost UK has been told.Supporters who quit in protest at the direction of the party under Keir Starmer’s leadership are signing up to help the Greater Manchester mayor defeat Reform UK, it is claimed.“They are all offering to help Andy win the by-election,” a senior Labour source said. “He is attracting support from long-standing members who left over the last two years.”A pro-Burnham MP confirmed that ex-Labour members have returned to back his bid to return to parliament after nine years.Burnham has said he wants to become an MP again to “save” the Labour Party, but stopped short of confirming he wants to replace Starmer as leader.He told the BBC: “We’ve got to see this as a moment to reclaim the Labour Party, to save it from where it’s been. We can’t just carry on as we are.”Burnham has yet to be confirmed as Labour’s by-election candidate, although the party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) has said it will not block him, as they did when he tried to stand in Gorton and Denton earlier this year.Josh Simons won the seat for Labour at the last election with a majority of 5,399 from Reform.Simons announced on Thursday that he was standing down to make way for Burnham, who is expected to challenge Starmer if he wins the by-election, which takes place on June 18.On BBC 1′s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Simons said he had done it in the “best interests” of his party, community and country.He said: “I think doing things for your community and your country that are very much not in your own personal reasons is the kind of thing we should do in politics sometimes.“This has been a really tough decision for me and my family. I have very young kids, I’ve got a three-week-old baby.“This was not an easy thing to do, and I wouldn’t have done it unless I really, really believed, at the end of the day, that this was in the best interests of the Labour Party, my community, and most importantly, the country.”It was revealed last week that 1,600 new members had joined Labour in the wake of the party’s drubbing in the elections on May 7.Party sources claimed the vast majority had done so to support the prime minister.Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...'Get Rid': Labour Leadership Hopeful Andy Burnham Says He Would Ban VARExclusive: Wes Streeting Allies Insist He Will Run In Labour Leadership ContestLisa Nandy Slaps Down Wes Streeting For Saying UK Should Rejoin European Union

Starmer mini-me Wes Streeting has turned on his former boss and confirmed his intention to stand to replace Keir Starmer in Downing Street. He has little prospect of winning — even Starmer would hammer him, according to the latest polling of Labour members. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has declared his intention of standing in […] By Skwawkbox

Britain’s governing Labour Party said on Friday it had agreed to let Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seek a return to parliament, a step towards a possible challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. The prospect of a challenge from the left-leaning Burnham has deepened a crisis for Starmer, whose party suffered heavy losses in […]

Greater Manchester mayor to stand for Parliament again but will face tough competition from Reform UK

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee yesterday waved through permission for the Mayor of Greater Manchester to stand for the Makerfield seat after an ally stood down.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee yesterday waved through permission for the Mayor of Greater Manchester to stand for the Makerfield seat after an ally stood down.

Andy Burnham has been cleared to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election following days of speculation that he will challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

Autumn conference in Liverpool targeted for victorious homecoming but Reform UK to fight hard in byelection Andy Burnham will push to become prime minister in time to address Labour’s autumn party conference in Liverpool, his supporters have said.The Greater Manchester mayor cleared his first hurdle to becoming the candidate in the Makerfield byelection on Friday as Labour’s ruling body gave him permission to stand for the seat. Continue reading...

On Friday Labour's powerful National Executive Committee (NEC) ruled that Andy Burnham would not be blocked from standing in the Makerfield by-election as leadership speculation swirls in Westminster

If he stands in Makerfield there will also need to be a mayoral contest to replace him in Greater ManchesterLabour’s national executive committee has approved Andy Burnham’s request to stand in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield byelection.The Greater Manchester mayor still has two more years of his term, meaning that if he stands there will need to be a mayoral byelection. Under Labour rules, sitting mayors need NEC approval to stand for Westminster. He would also need to be formally selected Continue reading...

How a contest to become PM is triggered, and Andy Burnham’s chances in the Makerfield byelectionUK politics live – latest updatesWith Andy Burnham offered a path back to parliament, the chances of a Labour leadership challenge to Keir Starmer appear to have increased dramatically.Manchester’s mayor said he wanted to return to Westminster to “make politics work properly for people” after Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, said he would stand down so Burnham could run in the seat in north-west England. Continue reading...

Andy Burnham says he will seek to become Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election

Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham secured a path to challenge Keir Starmer for the UK prime minister’s job, after a Labour Party Member of Parliament quit his seat in the House of Commons. Burnham said he would seek permission from Labour’s National Executive Committee to run for the freed-up seat in a by-election. Bloomberg's Alex Morgan reports from Downing Street. (Source: Bloomberg)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership was under intense pressure after a Labour MP stood aside to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to attempt to return to parliament and challenge him.

Labour’s Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he wanted to return to Westminster to ‘make politics work properly for people’.

Andy Burnham has announced he will attempt to return to Westminster after the Labour MP Josh Simons said he will vacate his Makerfield seat in order for Burnham to run in a byelection. It follows a day of breaking news in which the health secretary, Wes Streeting, resigned, saying he has lost confidence in the prime minister, and Angela Rayner announced she had been cleared by the HMRC. Where does this leave Keir Starmer, the leadership of the Labour party, and the country? Continue reading...

Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham says he will seek to be Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election

Josh Simons has said he will stand down as MP for Makerfield to allow the Greater Manchester Mayor into Parliament

Former Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons said the Greater Manchester Mayor is the right man to "drive the change our country is crying out for".

Greater Manchester mayor would need to win byelection to launch leadership challenge against Starmer• UK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham now has a route back to parliament after a Greater Manchester MP announced he would stand down, triggering a byelection, and putting Burnham in contention to become the next Labour leader.The Greater Manchester mayor has been seeking to return to parliament for months, but was blocked by Keir Starmer from running in the Gorton and Denton byelection at the start this year, to the anger of his supporters inside the party. Continue reading...

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham arrives for a meeting in 10 Downing Street, London, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Andy Burnham has revealed the Commons constituency he wants to stand in so he can become an MP again and challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.Labour MP Josh Simons has agreed to stand down from his Makerfield seat to make way for the Greater Manchester mayor less than two years after being elected.In a statement, Simons said: “I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield. I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.“This has not been an easy decision. This is my family’s home, where only a few weeks ago, doctors and nurses at Wigan Infirmary saved our newborn son’s life.“But we all must make choices and in recent days I found myself with a difficult one: defend the status quo or step forward and act. I have made my choice.“I am in politics because politics is how you change lives for the better. My party has one last chance to do that: deliver for the people and places I represent, drive economic growth, secure our borders, reform our state and politics, and change a status quo that is not working.“That is the fight. I believe Andy is the one to lead it.”Simons won the seat with a majority of 5,399 over Reform at the general election.In a statement, Burnham – who was MP for Leigh between 2001 and 2017 – said: “Over the last decade, I have been challenging this failure from the outside and building a new and better way of doing politics.“We have built Greater Manchester into the fastest-growing city-region in the UK and put buses back under public control, introducing a £2 fare cap to help people with cost-of-living pressures.“However, there is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester. Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again.“This is why I now seek people’s support to return to parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.“Millions are struggling and they need the Labour government to succeed. It has already made changes to make life better for them in its first two years.“After this week, we owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the prime minister and the government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place.”Reform leader Nigel Farage said his party “will absolutely throw everything at” the by-election campaign.Before he became an MP, Simons used to run Labour Together, the moderate think-tank which helped Starmer become party leader in 2020.He was forced to resign as a Cabinet Office minister in February over his part in a Labour Together smear operation against journalists.Despite being a former ally of the PM, he said in the wake of Labour’s drubbing in last week’s elections that Starmer had “lost the country” and needed to go.The dramatic development comes after Burnham’s leadership rival Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary with a ferocious attack on Starmer on Thursday afternoon.He said it was clear that the prime would not lead Labour into the next general election on the back of the party’s drubbing in England, Scotland and Wales last week.Streeting said: “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.”Burnham stood down as an MP in 2017, and needs to find a way back to Westminster in order to challenge for the Labour leadership.He tried to stand as Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, but was blocked by the party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC).However, the NEC will be under intense pressure to let him stand again in the hope that he can win the seat and return to Westminster, which he quit in 2017.Communities secretary and Starmer loyalist Steve Reed says: “I’m sorry Josh has taken this decision.“If anyone thinks there is a caped superhero that is coming our way with all the answers they have another thing coming.”Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.Related...Keir Starmer Ally Tells Andy Burnham To Forget Trying To Become Labour MP Before General ElectionExclusive: Former Labour Minister Calls For Andy Burnham To Replace Keir Starmer'It's Clear We Need A Change Of Leader – Andy Burnham Must Return To Westminster', Says Labour Peer