Andy Burnham has confirmed his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election following the resignation of Josh Simons, the current Labour MP for Makerfield, who stepped down to make way for Burnham. He criticised Westminster's “managed decline” of towns and the current political approach as insufficient; Simons acknowledged the personal difficulty of his decision, emphasising his commitment to political change.
No Opposition from Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer will not stop Burnham from becoming the Labour candidate in Makerfield, according to the BBC. “Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families,” an ally of the prime minister told the broadcaster.
Burnham's Plans
Burnham said he will be requesting the permission of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the by-election and aims to return to Parliament to address the cost-of-living crisis and make life more affordable across the UK. In full, Starmer latest: Burnham could stand in leadership race as path to Westminster emerges.
An NEC member commented that they don't 'see how it's physically possible' for Burnham to enter the leadership race, but Burnham remains focused on his by-election bid and broader political ambitions.
