One of Sir Keir Starmer's most loyal Cabinet allies has vowed to back the 'resilient' Labour leader in any challenge to his position after the Prime Minister told supporters he will stand if a contest is triggered.
Lammy's Pledge of Support
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Sir Keir must be able to 'serve out his mandate' from the 2024 general election. Speaking on Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Lammy declared: 'Yes, I co-chaired Keir Starmer's campaign to become leader of the Labour Party. He got a massive mandate from the British people less than two years ago. He is the most resilient person I have ever met in my life.'
The Justice Secretary added that it is important for Starmer to continue his work, but he also promised to campaign for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election.
Burnham's Leadership Ambitions
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor and Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election, has confirmed his intention to enter any leadership race. During a BBC Question Time special, Burnham made his ambitions clear, prompting Starmer to tell supporters he would 'fight' in any contest, as first reported by The Sun On Sunday.
When asked if he would advise Burnham to focus on his current role, Lammy responded: 'Andy Burnham doesn't need advice from me. We speak pretty regularly. He doesn't need advice from me. I know him very well.'
Starmer's Warning Against Internal Conflict
Amid ongoing uncertainty about his future in No 10 following a disastrous set of local and devolved election results for Labour, Sir Keir warned against the distraction of 'plunging into an internal fight' while global conflicts rage. He told LBC: 'We live in the most dangerous and volatile world in our lifetimes and that's why I sincerely and profoundly believe that we should be getting on with the job that we were elected to do in 2024.'
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for June 18.
