Streeting Confirms Labour Leadership Bid; Burnham Seeks Makerfield By-election Seat
Wes Streeting, recently resigned Health Secretary, has confirmed he would participate in any potential Labour leadership contest. His announcement follows his declaration to the Prime Minister that he had "lost confidence" in his leadership. Speaking on Saturday, Streeting stated: "We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing."
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has indicated his intention to contest the Makerfield by-election. Burnham articulated that this by-election must serve as an opportunity to "reclaim the Labour party, to save it from where it's been," signaling his own anticipated bid for the leadership should he secure the Makerfield seat.
The Prime Minister continues to resist calls for his resignation and a timetable for departure, despite Labour's significant electoral setbacks earlier in May. He is expected to challenge any leadership bids, including those from Streeting and Burnham.
Streeting, who resigned on Thursday, has not formally launched a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. When questioned about the necessary support from 81 Labour MPs to trigger a contest, Streeting affirmed: "I do have support in the parliamentary party, but this week I also had a choice." He suggested that rushing into a contest without allowing Burnham to stand would undermine the new leader's "legitimacy," thereby "extending the instability and uncertainty" within the party.
Burnham received clearance on Friday from Labour's National Executive Committee to stand in the Makerfield by-election, after the incumbent MP indicated a willingness to vacate the seat. This move is critical for Burnham, as Labour Party rules mandate that leadership contenders must be Members of Parliament.
Burnham asserted on Saturday that Labour "needs to be better" and must "be part of working-class people." He contended that "Britain has been on the wrong path for 40 years, it started de-industrialisation, de-regulation of the buses, privatisation of life's essentials." The by-election is expected to occur on 18 June.
