Prime Minister Starmer to Campaign for Leadership Rival Burnham in Makerfield By-Election

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his intention to campaign for Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This commitment comes despite widespread speculation that Burnham is positioning himself for a future challenge to Starmer's Labour leadership, particularly if he secures a parliamentary seat.

Sir Keir stated that the Labour Party must "all pull together and fight" in the by-election scheduled for 18 June. A spokesperson for Burnham indicated that "Anyone who wants to embrace Andy's campaign message is welcome on the campaign."

Starmer's leadership has recently faced considerable internal dissent, including calls for his resignation from numerous Labour MPs and the high-profile resignation of Wes Streeting as Health Secretary, who criticised the government's perceived "drift." These challenges emerged after a series of disappointing election outcomes, which saw Labour lose control in Wales and shed nearly 1,500 council seats across England.

Despite the internal pressure, Sir Keir has maintained he will not "walk away" from his position and has initiated a series of policy announcements this week focused on the cost of living. His decision to campaign in Makerfield, a constituency in Greater Manchester, is noteworthy given the prevailing expectation that Burnham would seek the party leadership if elected to Parliament.

When questioned about his support for Burnham's campaign, Sir Keir emphasised, "Yes, and I've said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it's really important – that's a straight fight between Labour and Reform." He highlighted recent economic growth, reduced NHS waiting lists, and a fall in UK net migration as positive achievements for Labour on the doorstep.

Conversely, Burnham has articulated a different vision in recent public statements. He recently claimed Britain had been "on the wrong path for 40 years" and stated that "a vote for me will be a vote to change Labour."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has already commenced campaigning alongside his party's Makerfield candidate, Robert Kenyon, who secured second place in the constituency in the 2024 general election. Farage has characterised the by-election as a "David versus Goliath battle," pledging Reform UK would "throw the kitchen sink" at the contest, with a focus on easing pressure on social housing in the region.

The Green Party of England and Wales is currently seeking a new candidate for Makerfield after their initial selection withdrew for personal reasons, with nominations reopening on Thursday. A party spokesperson indicated they would campaign to "expose the risk of Reform" and advocate for policies that compel "the super-rich pay their fair share."