David Lammy has defended Sir Keir Starmer after Andy Burnham became the latest senior Labour figure to publicly declare he would challenge the Prime Minister in any leadership contest. The Deputy Prime Minister insisted that Starmer would stand firm against attempts to oust him, as pressure mounts from influential party members seeking change.
Lammy’s Loyalty to Starmer
Speaking on LBC on Friday morning, Lammy stated: “There is no contest at the moment, and my view is it would be a huge distraction at this time. The Prime Minister, by the way, has been absolutely clear: if there is a contest, he’ll be in it.” He declined to speculate on serving under a Burnham premiership, saying he would offer full loyalty to Starmer until the PM no longer wishes to serve.
Burnham’s By-Election Pledge
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor and widely seen as Starmer’s main rival, appeared on a BBC Question Time special for the Makerfield by-election on Thursday night. He said a “fundamental change” is needed in Westminster to restore public trust. When asked about his intentions if he wins the seat, Burnham said: “If I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level… I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I’d have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same.”
Downing Street Response
A No 10 spokesperson hit back at Burnham, emphasising the government’s achievements under Starmer: “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 hard-working people, not get distracted by Westminster debates.” The spokesperson added that the party’s leadership challenge process has not been triggered and that Starmer will not walk away from his 2024 mandate.
Hermer’s Support
Attorney General Lord Hermer, another key Starmer ally, expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s ability to survive a challenge. Speaking on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, he said: “Keir has consistently been underestimated… No-one has ever got rich betting against Keir Starmer.” He pointed to Labour’s 2024 general election victory as evidence of Starmer’s resilience.
Makerfield By-Election Context
Burnham is one of 14 candidates in the Makerfield by-election, triggered when Labour MP Josh Simons stood down. The contest is expected to be a tight race between Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor. A Survation poll released Thursday evening showed Burnham leading with 49% of the vote, ahead of Kenyon on 39%. Rebecca Shepherd of Restore Britain polled at 8%, while the Green Party’s Sarah Wakefield received 2%, and both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives trailed at 1%.
