UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham refuses to rule out challenging Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader amid growing speculation of a leadership bid.
As reported by The Independent, Andy Burnham has again declined to dismiss the possibility of challenging Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, fueling fresh leadership coup speculation.
Concerns grow over the government’s approach as Labour backbenchers voice discontent amid poor approval scores.
Labour’s September conference fueled speculation that Mr Burnham, who left the Commons in 2017, might challenge Mr Starmer after hinting at a Westminster return.
How did Andy Burnham respond to questions on challenging Keir Starmer?
During a Thursday interview, the Greater Manchester mayor repeatedly refused to rule out a challenge to Labour leadership.
Andy Burnham said,
“One of the frustrations I find is that when Westminster goes into meltdown, I’m always sort of dragged into it. I haven’t launched any leadership challenge.”
He stated,
“I’m doing my job to the best of my ability, and I’m trying to help the country and the government by putting forward the kind of plan that I’m putting forward today. Not constantly answering hypothetical questions.”
When questioned again about the leadership bid, the mayor said,
“I am not going to sit here this morning and kind of rule out what might or might not happen in the future, because why would I. I don’t know what the future will hold.”
Mr Burnham added,
“What I do know is, I’m mayor of the most successful city region in the country, the fastest growing, and it’s my job to put forward a plan, rather than go back to my old world, where everyone is constantly speculating about everything, not putting forward solutions for the benefit of the country.”
Asked again, he replied,
“What do you want me to do or say…I’m here this morning to do my job and I hope you would let me do my job.”
What did Clive Lewis propose for Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament?
Labour MP Clive Lewis said he could give up his Norwich South seat to allow Andy Burnham to contest the party leadership.
He indicated he might vacate his seat to allow Andy Burnham to return to the Commons, following speculation that Mr Burnham could succeed the prime minister.
Mr Lewis said,
“It’s a question I’ve asked myself, and I’d have to obviously consult with my wife as well, and family, but do you know what? If I’m going to sit here and say country before party, party before personal ambition, then yes, I have to say yes, don’t I?”
Last week, he urged the Manchester mayor to return to Parliament, arguing Sir Keir Starmer’s position was “not tenable” and he should “put country before party.”
The announcement comes after days of internal strife at Labour’s top, with potential rivals reportedly eyeing leadership bids.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting denied claims he intended to oust the prime minister, while allies of former deputy leader Angela Rayner also rejected rumours of a leadership challenge.
In response to the dispute, Mr Starmer insisted he will lead the party into the next election, dismissing speculation over his future as a waste of time.
Pressure grows on the prime minister as left-leaning MPs plan a leadership challenge. This follows reports from Number 10 briefings that Mr Streeting is reportedly planning to replace Mr Starmer.
The Labour leader also faces pressure to sack Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, though Number 10 has assured that no briefings have been issued against ministers.
The prime minister is also facing backlash from Labour backbenchers over the proposed asylum reforms, revealed by the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood earlier this week.
The Times reports that while Tribune Group senior MPs remain divided on a candidate, they could still secure the 80 MPs needed to trigger a leadership contest.
What did the YouGov survey reveal about Labour voters’ views on Keir Starmer?
A recent YouGov survey revealed that 23% of Labour voters want Keir Starmer to quit immediately, with another 22% saying he should step down before the next general election.
Just 34% of Labour voters believe Mr Starmer should remain party leader by the next general election.
Another YouGov MRP model projects Reform UK would win 311 seats, just shy of a majority, while Labour would drop to 144 seats, Conservatives to 45, and Liberal Democrats around 78 if elections were held tomorrow.