Andy Burnham has announced his intention to seek a return to Westminster, aiming to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party. The Greater Manchester Mayor stated he would request permission from the party's ruling body to stand in a by-election, following the resignation of MP Josh Simons.
Burnham's Ambition for National Change
Mr Burnham expressed his desire to bring the transformative changes seen in Greater Manchester to the entire United Kingdom. 'I want to return to Westminster to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people,' he said.
Simons Steps Aside
Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, announced he would stand down to allow Mr Burnham to contest the seat. In a statement, Simons wrote: 'I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.' He added that Labour has 'one last chance' to deliver and 'change a status quo that is not working'.
Streeting Resigns
Earlier, Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, stating it would be 'dishonourable and unprincipled' to continue under Sir Keir. While he did not formally announce a leadership bid, Streeting urged the Prime Minister to allow the 'best possible field of candidates' to contest the leadership, hinting at support for Burnham's inclusion.
Political Turmoil
The developments follow days of upheaval after Labour's poor performance in recent elections, with mounting calls for Sir Keir Starmer to step down. Mr Burnham had previously been blocked by the National Executive Committee from standing in a by-election in Gorton and Denton, which was won by the Green Party.
Reform UK Reacts
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, welcomed the prospect of contesting the seat, saying: 'We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it.'
Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983, but the upcoming by-election is expected to be fiercely contested. It remains unclear whether Wes Streeting has the support of 81 Labour MPs needed to formally challenge the Prime Minister, with rival factions suggesting he does not.
