Starmer Urges Focus on Manchester Mayoral Race Amid Leadership Talk
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a warning to Andy Burnham and other Labour figures against initiating an immediate leadership challenge, should Burnham secure a seat in Parliament. Starmer emphasized the importance of concentrating on the upcoming election for the new Greater Manchester mayor.
If Andy Burnham is victorious in the Makerfield by-election on Thursday, he would be required to step down from his current role as Manchester mayor. This would necessitate a by-election to fill the mayoral position, which is anticipated to take place by August 6th. Burnham is widely considered a likely contender for the Labour leadership if he is elected to Parliament.
Speaking from the G7 summit, the Prime Minister described a leadership contest as detrimental to the country and reiterated his intention to contest any challenge. Sir Keir highlighted the significance of the potential mayoral election, stating that his party would need to "pull our sleeves up to make sure that there is another Labour victory."
The Prime Minister also suggested a potential cabinet role for Burnham if he wins in Makerfield, telling reporters, "I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government."
Other Labour Figures Hint at Challenges
The Prime Minister's remarks coincide with Labour MP Wes Streeting's statement that he is prepared to initiate a leadership contest as early as next week. Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last month, indicated that he delayed a leadership challenge until after the Makerfield by-election to allow Burnham an opportunity to participate. Speaking to BBC's Newsnight, Streeting stated that "uncertainty and paralysis" within the Labour leadership would need to be resolved if the party wins Thursday's Makerfield by-election.
When questioned about Streeting's intentions, Sir Keir responded, "There is Westminster talk about what might happen in by-elections. Meanwhile, I would just gently point out, that we do have a Manchester mayoralty by-election which will follow immediately on if Andy Burnham wins the by-election. I hope he wins, but we then tip straight into the Manchester mayoralty by-election… so we're all going to have to focus on that."
The Prime Minister's comments offer insight into the arguments he is likely to present on Friday, should Burnham be successful in Makerfield. Some Labour MPs have expressed concerns that Reform UK could potentially win the Manchester mayoral by-election, despite Burnham's significant victory margin in the last contest in 2024. Conversely, Burnham's supporters argue that the importance of the mayoralty reinforces the case for him to become prime minister sooner rather than later.
Reflecting on his leadership more broadly, Sir Keir stated that being prime minister "is the privilege of my life, and every day I remind myself that that is an honour. It is a duty, and I'm here to serve, that is why I came into politics. Not a day goes by where I don't remind myself it's a privilege."
Source: PM sends Burnham and Labour warning over leadership contest