Sir Keir Starmer is employing five key strategies to fend off a potential leadership challenge from Andy Burnham, according to recent reports. The Greater Manchester Mayor is expected to launch a bid to oust Starmer from Downing Street if he wins the Makerfield by-election on June 18. The Prime Minister has insisted he is "not going to walk away" from No. 10, urging Labour to avoid an internal leadership fight in what he describes as "the most dangerous and volatile world" in a lifetime, citing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Strategy One: Emphasising the 2024 Mandate
Starmer and his allies are highlighting the mandate he secured in the 2024 general election. On LBC, Starmer stated he "sincerely and profoundly" believes Labour should focus on the job it was elected to do. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy echoed this, telling Sky News that Starmer must be allowed to "serve out his mandate." Skills Minister Jacqui Smith also noted that the PM won "a very large majority" on a five-year programme to change the country.
Strategy Two: Showcasing Economic Wins
Starmer is drawing attention to positive economic indicators, including better-than-expected first-quarter growth and a fall in net migration from 331,000 to 171,000. The OECD recently upgraded its growth forecast for the UK this year, though it cut next year's projection to 1.1% due to the Iran conflict's impact.
Strategy Three: VAT Cut and Summer Savings Scheme
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on family activities over the summer, part of the "Great British Summer Savings" scheme, also includes free bus travel for children aged five to 15. This is aimed at boosting household finances and public approval.
Strategy Four: Crackdown on Children's Social Media Use
Starmer has called on tech companies to introduce device controls preventing children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images. He warned that failure to implement changes could lead to new legislation, fines, and even criminal liability for tech bosses.
Strategy Five: Projecting Global Leadership
Starmer is positioning himself as a world leader through upcoming G7 meetings and talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This diplomatic push aims to bolster his standing both domestically and internationally.
Starmer's position remains precarious after Labour's poor performance in local and devolved elections, with former health secretary Wes Streeting also positioning himself for a potential leadership race.
