Andy Burnham: Next British PM in the Making?
A government minister said Starmer is focused on governing as Burnham’s by-election win fuels talk of a possible Labour leadership challenge.
- On Friday, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, securing a parliamentary seat and opening the door to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his job.
- Labour's popularity has cratered since the 2024 election as Starmer struggled to deliver promised economic growth and repair public services, while Burnham's decisive victory over Reform UK strengthens his claim as the party's biggest asset.
- Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill urged party unity, while former minister Louise Haigh pressed the Prime Minister to set out an orderly transition and agree a "path forward" with Burnham in coming days.
- Prime Minister Starmer vowed to fight any leadership challenge, stating, "If there is a contest, then yes, I will stand," as his team ramped up fundraising efforts to defend his position.
- Allies suggest a leadership handover by September to protect Labour's prospects in the Greater Manchester mayoral race, which remains a critical electoral test against Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
19 Articles
19 Articles
UK's Starmer faces pressure as ministers see Andy Burnham as successor
A significant portion of Keir Starmer's cabinet reportedly believes Andy Burnham is poised to become the next Prime Minister. Despite this sentiment, most ministers are hesitant to demand Starmer's immediate departure, preferring to observe unfolding events. While one minister has urged Starmer to step down, the cabinet's decisive action remains uncertain.
Andy Burnham: Next British PM in the making?
There are reports in the Times of London, that British cabinet ministers are set to tell the Prime Minister Keir Starmer that his quote "time is up" to set a timetable for his departure and an orderly transition. There's been no confirmation that these talks have taken place from Downing Street.
Meanwhile, Kira Starmer said he wasn't thinking about resigning yet.
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- 53% of the sources lean Left
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