Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly stated that he will not set a timetable for his departure from Downing Street, as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham prepares to contest the Makerfield by-election in a bid to return to Parliament and challenge for the Labour leadership.
Starmer's Commitment to Fight Next Election
Speaking to broadcasters in London, Sir Keir emphasised his intention to lead Labour into the next general election, despite growing calls from within the party for him to outline a clear exit strategy. 'I’m not going to do that,' he said when asked if he would set a timeline to step down should Mr Burnham win the by-election. 'I do want to fight the next election. Obviously, I recognise that after the local election results, the elections in Wales and Scotland as well, that the first task is obviously turning things around and making sure that my focus is in the right place.'
Reflecting on recent political turbulence, the Prime Minister acknowledged that 'the last 10 days, there’s been a lot of activity, which hasn’t been as focused in my view as it should have been.' He reiterated his commitment to public service, stating, 'I remind myself every day that I was elected to office to serve the people, to serve the country, that’s what I believe in, and that’s what I’ll be getting on with.'
When pressed on whether he would contest a leadership challenge if a rival secured the backing of 81 MPs required to trigger a contest, Sir Keir replied, 'We’re not at that position … but I’ve said, I don’t know how many times, that I’m not going to walk away.'
Burnham's Vision for Change
Andy Burnham, who hopes to be selected as Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election, delivered a speech at a northern investment summit in Leeds, where he outlined his vision for the party and the country. He argued that Labour’s offer to voters had 'simply not been good enough' and called for a fundamental shift in approach.
'If I get to stand, a vote for me will be a vote to change Labour, because Labour needs to change if we are to regain people’s trust,' Mr Burnham declared. 'It will be a vote to make life more affordable again, a vote to power up places, a vote to reindustrialise.'
He promised a 'new path which brings the country back together' and criticised the existing governance structure, describing a 'bloated national state' and a 'malnourished local one.' Advocating for further devolution, he said he wanted to 'transfer power and resources back to local areas' if he is 'returned to Parliament.'
Brexit and EU Relations
Mr Burnham clarified that he is 'not proposing that the UK considers rejoining' the European Union, warning against re-running the arguments of the Brexit years. He stressed the importance of focusing on 'what we’ve got in common' ahead of the by-election in the Leave-voting Makerfield seat. This marks a shift from his previous stance, where he expressed a desire to see the UK back in the EU within his lifetime.
Brexit is expected to be a major issue in any future Labour leadership contest, particularly after former health secretary Wes Streeting set out his ambition to eventually rejoin the EU. Sir Keir, however, said he did not want to get 'lost in a debate about what may happen years down the line' regarding EU relations.
By-Election Developments
On Monday, Josh Simons, who had announced his desire for Mr Burnham to stand in his Makerfield seat, officially left the Commons by being appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern, an archaic procedure required to resign as an MP. Applications for Labour’s Makerfield candidacy closed on the same day, and the party’s ruling National Executive Committee is expected to endorse a candidate on Thursday.
The Prime Minister characterised the by-election as 'a fight between Labour and Reform' and pledged to 'back 100% whoever the candidate is.' He called for unity within the party, urging that 'whatever views people may have on the direction of the party, that needs to be put to one side' so Labour can campaign together effectively.
