Andy Burnham is on course to return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir Starmer for power, with a new poll suggesting he is going to win the Makerfield by-election. The Greater Manchester mayor has opened up a 10-point lead with voters in the seat two weeks out from the potentially seismic vote that could ultimately result in Sir Keir being forced from power.
Poll Shows Straight Race Between Labour and Reform UK
It reinforced the idea that the battle is a straight race between Labour and Reform UK, represented by local plumber Robert Kenyon. Mr Burnham last night confirmed for the first time that if he is successful in winning the seat in Wigan on June 18 he will stand in a subsequent leadership election.
No10 Vows to Fight Any Challenge
It is likely to trigger a bitter campaign for the reins of power, with No10 last night suggesting Sir Keir would fight any challengers rather than meekly step aside. Deputy PM David Lammy this morning reinforced the message, telling LBC: 'There is no contest at the moment, and my view is it would be a huge distraction at this time. The Prime Minister ... has been absolutely clear: if there is a contest, he'll be in it.'
Last night Mr Burnham used a BBC Question Time special in Makerfield to confirm the badly kept secret that he would go for the top job if he won, while making 'no assumptions' about the by-election result. After a member of the audience said 'you have to be hidden under a rock to think maybe you aren't going to go for the leadership', Mr Burnham said: 'I can't do anything unless I'm lucky enough to get the support of people here. But 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.'
Downing Street Hits Back
But No10 hit back, insisting Sir Keir 'will not walk away' without a fight. A spokesperson said: 'With Keir Starmer's leadership, this Labour government is supporting people with the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists, restoring control of our borders and lifting half a million children out of poverty. The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hardworking people, not get distracted by Westminster debates. The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and it has not been triggered. The Prime Minister will not walk away from the mandate he was given just two years ago to build a stronger, fairer Britain.'
While Survation only surveyed 512 people, it focused on 'likely voters, factored by likelihood to vote, with undecided and refused voters removed'.
