Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has stated that it is a "personal decision" for Sir Keir Starmer whether he wishes to contest a Labour leadership challenge, as rivals begin to position themselves to oust him. Speaking to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Nandy said the Prime Minister must decide if he wants to "take the next fight forwards," amid reports that Starmer is privately weighing his future.
Nandy's remarks on Starmer's future
Nandy acknowledged that Starmer has shown resilience before, pointing to his victory in the 2020 Labour leadership election and the 2024 general election. "I wouldn't write off the Prime Minister," she said, but emphasised that the decision is deeply personal. She also criticised what she called "froth and nonsense" surrounding the leadership speculation, and had sharp words for ex-health secretary Wes Streeting, who on Saturday advocated for a "new special relationship" with the EU and eventual rejoining.
Criticism of Streeting's EU stance
Nandy told Sky News that suggesting rejoining the EU as the answer implies "life was fine in 2015, we just need to go back there." She warned that Streeting would hear from voters in areas like Makerfield that this is not the case, and that a bigger solution is required. Meanwhile, she expressed support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, describing him as "squarely focused" on cost of living and transport issues.
Leadership jostling intensifies
The debate over Labour's future direction on Europe comes after the party suffered bruising election defeats last week. At a Progress think tank conference, Streeting described Brexit as a "catastrophic mistake" and called for Britain to eventually rejoin the EU. This policy stance is seen as a direct challenge to Burnham, who has previously supported rejoining but is now focusing on the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Makerfield by-election dynamics
Makerfield, a Brexit-voting constituency, saw Reform UK win every council ward in last week's local elections with around half the vote, while Labour secured only a quarter. Labour MP Josh Simons, who announced he would vacate the seat for Burnham, denied reports that the decision was made a year ago, stating it was made "two days ago" after discussions with his wife.
