Keir Starmer is preparing to resist any attempt to oust him as Prime Minister, even if it means tearing the Labour Party apart, according to Whitehall Editor Jonathan Walker. The message from No 10 is clear: if Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election and returns to Parliament, Sir Keir will not step down quietly. Instead, he plans to fight a leadership challenge, warning that such a contest would inflict severe damage on the party.
Burnham's Coronation Hopes Dashed
Supporters of Andy Burnham had hoped for a smooth transition, allowing him to take over as Labour leader and Prime Minister without a bitter struggle. However, the Prime Minister is determined to remain in office. The Financial Times reports that Sir Keir intends to tell ministers they must resign from the government if they wish to back any rival candidate, including Burnham. A No 10 official stated: "If there is a contest, you will be expected to resign from the Government if you want to support someone else."
The Strategy of Mutually Assured Destruction
The Prime Minister's approach echoes Cold War-era deterrence: Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Just as a nuclear war would obliterate both sides, Sir Keir argues that a leadership battle would devastate the Labour Party. He is betting that Burnham and his backers will baulk at the prospect of a divisive, public fight that could shatter the party's credibility with voters.
If Burnham wants to force a contest, he must secure nominations from 80 Labour MPs and then campaign across the country against a sitting Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Sir Keir will continue to govern, making announcements, meeting foreign leaders, and addressing issues like Ukraine and energy costs. This scenario, he warns, would make Labour appear as chaotic as the Conservatives did in their final years in power.
Who Will Voters Blame?
The damage to Labour's reputation could be immense. Voters are likely to punish the party for infighting, even those who are dissatisfied with Sir Keir's leadership. The Prime Minister's gamble is that Burnham will be blamed for triggering the crisis, along with the 80 MPs who nominate him. Some observers argue that Sir Keir has every right to defend his position, regardless of the consequences.
As the by-election approaches, the political landscape is fraught with tension. The Tories are also seeking to force a vote on protecting veteran and youth rail discounts, adding to the pressure on the government. Whether Sir Keir is bluffing or genuinely prepared to burn down the party, his message is unmistakable: he will not go without a fight.
