Sir Keir Starmer has informed ministers that he will fight any leadership contest if one is called, insisting he can defeat Andy Burnham despite polls showing only 37% backing from Labour members. The prime minister could face an internal ballot within weeks if Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, but Starmer has told colleagues he will not resign.
Leadership Challenge Looms
Burnham is widely expected to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership, though he may delay any move until after the contest to elect a new mayor of Greater Manchester is decided. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, opening a path back to Westminster for Burnham.
Burnham had previously tried to return to Parliament through the Gorton and Denton by-election, but Labour's National Executive Committee blocked him from standing.
Starmer's Determination
According to reports, Starmer told ministers he was "in it to win it" and would fight any leadership race. As the incumbent leader, he is guaranteed a place on the ballot paper if he chooses to contest. "If there is a contest then I'm going to fight it. I'm not going to walk away. I am going to fight to win," he said, according to BBC Newsnight.
One minister told the Financial Times: "He said if there's a contest he'll stand to win. Everyone that spoke was strongly supportive and there were lots of worries about a change of leader leading to rising pressure for a general election."
Support Concerns
Despite Starmer's resolve, many insiders believe he lacks the support needed to fend off Burnham. A recent YouGov poll found that 59% of Labour members would back Burnham, with only 37% supporting Starmer. One minister loyal to Starmer said: "Keir feels very strongly that you don't just walk away and hand the country to someone who doesn't even know what the fiscal rules are without a fight."
The prime minister is reportedly sounding out support among backbenchers and ministers ahead of next week's by-election, which could determine whether a leadership contest is triggered.
