Jess Phillips has said Sir Keir Starmer will likely still be ousted from No 10 even if Andy Burnham is unable to return to parliament to challenge him. The prime minister has come under immense pressure following the Labour Party’s disastrous local election results, with nearly 100 of his own MPs calling for him to step down and multiple ministers resigning.
Speaking at the Hay Festival, Ms Phillips said: “I think even if Andy Burnham doesn’t win in Makerfield there will be a change of the prime minister.” She added that she imagines Mr Burnham will win the by-election and then the prime minister changes.
Ms Phillips stepped down as safeguarding minister earlier this month, accusing Sir Keir of failing to act fast enough on violence against women and girls. She said she felt “liberated” since her resignation and criticised the prime minister for not telling the story of the country’s broken state.
Sir Keir has vowed to stay on as Labour leader and fight any official challenge. However, the local election fallout has exposed deep divisions, with health secretary Wes Streeting resigning after intense speculation. Mr Streeting said he held off triggering a leadership race to give Mr Burnham time to find a path back into the Commons.
If Mr Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, he is expected to use his return to parliament to trigger a leadership contest. Polls suggest he would defeat Sir Keir. However, allies of Mr Burnham have indicated he may not launch an immediate bid for the leadership.
