Andy Burnham has vowed to 'change Labour' as he prepares to stand in the Makerfield by-election, directly challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. The Greater Manchester mayor said his campaign would focus on national issues where Labour is failing, promising to win back voters the party has lost.
Burnham stated: 'If I get to stand, a vote for me will be a vote to change Labour, because Labour needs to change if we are to regain people's trust.' He outlined plans to make 'the basics of life more affordable, like rents, bills and fares.'
In a move to avoid internal divisions, Burnham ruled out reopening the Brexit debate, saying: 'My view is that Brexit has been damaging, but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is rerun those arguments.' His spokesperson also confirmed no further changes to Rachel Reeves's fiscal rules, including on defence spending.
Keir Starmer, however, insisted he would fight the next election and would not step aside. 'I'm not going to walk away. I feel very strongly that I must serve the people who voted me into office,' he said. Labour faces a tough contest in Makerfield against Reform UK, which is expected to announce its candidate shortly.
Burnham apologised for the 'circus' surrounding the by-election but said it was time for 'places that make up this constituency, long forgotten by national politics, finally are at the centre of the national debate.' The by-election date is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday.
