Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham against launching a leadership challenge, warning it would plunge the country into chaos. Burnham is contesting Thursday's Makerfield by-election and could subsequently mount a bid to replace Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.
Starmer Vows to Fight
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Starmer stated: "I don't think we should have a challenge, because I think it'll throw the country into chaos." He added: "If there is a challenge, I will fight. I'm not going to walk away from this." The Prime Minister emphasised that Labour won a landslide victory just two years ago with a clear five-year mandate to change the country.
Frustrations Acknowledged
Starmer acknowledged voters' frustrations with the pace of change under his leadership. "Do I understand that people are frustrated and say 'I haven't seen enough change yet?' Yes, of course I do," he said. He noted that many have waited nearly 20 years for living standards to improve and understands their desire for faster progress.
Burnham's Ambitions
If Burnham wins the by-election, he could swiftly launch a leadership bid, according to multiple reports. However, his spokesperson dismissed speculation that it could happen within hours. Some in his camp initially favoured waiting until after Labour's September conference, but resignations last week of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns over military funding prompted quicker action, The Times reported.
Burnham has been candid with voters, saying "my own side's not good enough." He remarked: "I kind of feel as we go into the final stretch that the voters of this constituency could be about to write a new script for British politics." He warned against increasing division, stating: "We don't want to end up like the United States of America, where people don't talk to each other in the street if they vote different ways."
Leadership Challenge Requirements
To mount a leadership challenge, Burnham would need the backing of 81 Labour MPs. Other potential contenders include former health secretary Wes Streeting and ex-armed forces minister Al Carns, who have also signalled their interest in replacing Starmer.
By-Election Context
The Makerfield by-election is expected to be a tight race between Burnham and Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon. The contest was triggered by former minister Josh Simons stepping down to facilitate Burnham's return to the Commons. Simons won the seat in 2024 by just 5,399 votes, while Reform UK comfortably won every ward in the constituency in May's local elections.
