Pressure on Sir Keir Starmer is intensifying after Andy Burnham was cleared to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election, bringing a potential leadership challenge closer. The Greater Manchester mayor is seeking to replace Josh Simons, who is stepping down as MP to facilitate Burnham's return to Parliament.
NEC approval and timeline
Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) has granted Burnham permission to stand in the selection process. Applications close on Monday, with the NEC endorsing a candidate on Thursday. The by-election could take place as early as June 18. If elected, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Starmer for the party leadership.
Electoral context
Makerfield is traditionally a safe Labour seat, but the party anticipates a strong challenge from Reform UK. In the 2024 general election, Simons secured a majority of just 5,399 over Nigel Farage's party. Since then, Labour's polling has collapsed while Reform has surged, with Reform winning every council ward in the constituency in recent local elections, securing about half the vote compared to Labour's quarter.
Burnham could benefit from his strong personal following in the North West, where he enjoys a net favourability rating of 24% according to Ipsos—significantly higher than any party leader or the Labour Party itself. A Survation forecast suggests that with Burnham as a candidate, Labour is more likely to win than Reform UK, but without him, Farage's party could take the seat.
Wes Streeting's position
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who resigned this week without triggering a leadership contest, is set to make his first public appearance since resigning at a conference on Saturday. Streeting has backed Burnham's by-election bid, stating Labour needs "our best players on the pitch." Allies of the Ilford North MP have indicated he would be a candidate in any future leadership battle, adding that his resignation letter called for a contest with "the broadest set of candidates possible."
If Streeting had not stepped down, Starmer would automatically be on the ballot in any Labour leadership race. Downing Street insists Starmer would fight any attempt to oust him, but an unnamed Cabinet minister loyal to him told The Telegraph that the Prime Minister is keeping "all options" open in private.
Defence spending and other reactions
The Times reports that Starmer could approve an £18 billion boost to defence spending next week as he battles to save his premiership. The defence investment plan has been delayed, and Defence Secretary John Healey has privately pushed for a substantial uplift to meet rising threats. A Government spokesperson said the plan will be published as soon as possible.
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson told BBC Radio 4's The Week in Westminster that Burnham would be a "strong candidate," noting his work as mayor on SEND reform, skills, and further education. She confirmed she would campaign for the Labour candidate in Makerfield.
