UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham rejected rumors of a Commons return to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling claims “a lot of rubbish.”
As reported by Charlie Moloney of The Guardian, Andy Burnham dismissed reports of a Labour leadership bid, describing the coverage as “a lot of rubbish.”
How did Andy Burnham respond to leadership challenge rumors?
Following reports that the Manchester Mayor plans to return to Parliament next summer, he has once again dismissed the speculation, despite previously rejecting such claims.
The Mail on Sunday reported that Labour rebels plan to secure a by-election win for the Manchester Mayor, potentially setting up a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer.
Andy Burnham posted on X,
“Quite a lot of rubbish in the papers today. Reminds me why I left Westminster in the first place!”
Last month, the Greater Manchester Mayor declined to dismiss the possibility of standing against Sir Keir Starmer. This comes as concerns rise over the government’s direction amid poor approval ratings and unrest within the Labour backbenches.
He 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.”
Mr Burhham 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.”
The Manchester mayor said,
“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.”
When asked again, he added,
“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.”
How did Labour leadership rumours spread?
The leadership speculation grew after Labour MP Clive Lewis indicated he could give up his Norwich South seat to allow Andy Burnham to return to the Commons for a potential challenge against Sir Keir Starmer.
Mr Lewis stated,
“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?”
He argued that Mr Starmer’s position was “not tenable” and that he must put the country before the party.
The developments follow a brief but intense internal Labour dispute, with rumours growing over potential leadership challenges.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also had to reject claims he was plotting against Sir Keir Starmer, while allies of former deputy leader Angela Rayner also denied involvement.
Who are the potential contenders for Labour leadership?
- Andy Burnham: Polls show he would defeat Sir Keir Starmer by the largest margin (26 points) if he could return to Westminster as a Labour MP.
- Angela Rayner: Surveys reveal she would defeat Keir Starmer by 19 points. Allies indicate she is likely to run in a future leadership contest.
- Wes Streeting: Poll shows he would slightly edge out Labour leader (33% to 31%), though it is within the margin of error.
- Ed Miliband: Reports indicate he would lead Keir Starmer by four points if a contest were held.
How much do Britons trust Keir Starmer and the Labour government?
Recent polls show that only 19% of Britons view Keir Starmer favourably, while 61% hold an unfavourable opinion. The Labour government scores 3.2 out of 10 on performance, with voters aged 55 and over giving the lowest rating of 2.3.
27% of those wanting moderate change trust Labour to deliver change, but just 4% of those wanting radical change back Keir Starmer.