Andy Burnham to Challenge Keir Starmer for Labour Leadership if Makerfield By-Election Won
Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, has articulated his ambition to enter a Labour leadership contest, provided he is successful in the Makerfield by-election scheduled for 18 June. This announcement, made during a candidate appearance, positions Burnham as a potential challenger to Sir Keir Starmer, whose leadership has faced scrutiny following recent election results.
Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon criticised the prospect of using Makerfield as a political 'stepping stone', advocating for a shift away from career politicians. Sir Keir Starmer has resisted calls to resign from a segment of Labour MPs, with a Number 10 spokesperson asserting the Prime Minister's commitment to the mandate received two years prior. The by-election was precipitated by the resignation of former Labour MP Josh Simons, reportedly to facilitate Burnham's parliamentary return and potential leadership bid.
Leadership Intentions and Party Dynamics
Pressed on restoring public trust, Burnham lamented Westminster's 'point-scoring before problem-solving' culture. He stated, “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.” Any challenger requires the backing of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a contest. Justice Secretary David Lammy reiterated Sir Keir's determination to contest any leadership challenge, emphasising the Prime Minister's existing mandate.
Wes Streeting has also confirmed his willingness to enter a leadership contest, openly endorsing Burnham in Makerfield to ensure a 'proper contest with the best candidates on the field'. Kenyon, however, critiqued Burnham's mayoral tenure, citing neglect in Wigan compared to Manchester's perceived prosperity, advocating for 'normal people' in politics who are committed to their local areas.
Local Concerns and National Issues
Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley questioned Burnham's parliamentary return after earlier pledges to serve his mayoral term, describing the by-election as 'foisted upon us'. Burnham attributed Labour's recent losses to Reform in local council elections to uncontrollable political events. Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield called for focused discussions on climate, local economies, and financial investment in towns, while Liberal Democrat candidate Jake Austin characterised the by-election as an 'election for a potential future prime minister via the backdoor'.
During the debate, Kenyon addressed past online comments, including those concerning women and abortion, stating he had 'made mistakes' and now holds 'nothing but respect for women'. The candidates also discussed the recent murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed by police while dying, following a false claim of a racist attack by his killer, Vickrum Digwa. Burnham suggested a 'very careful debate' on banning knives carried for religious reasons, while Kenyon highlighted what he perceived as a 'two-tier policing system' in the incident's handling.
