Keir Starmer will not attempt to block Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election, according to a source close to the Labour leader. An ally of Starmer said: 'Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families.'
Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, issued a statement explaining his desire to return to Westminster, citing the cost of living crisis as a priority. His potential candidacy follows the resignation of Josh Simons, the former Cabinet Office minister who held the seat. Simons announced he would step down to free up the constituency for Burnham.
The by-election was triggered after Simons' resignation, which some Labour MPs have criticised as an act of arrogance. Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart said: 'The arrogance of these men is staggering. To believe that representing a community is a gift to be handed to your mate shows utterly, out-of-touch contempt.'
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary, calling for a Labour leadership contest with 'the best possible field of candidates.' He accused Starmer of failing to provide proper leadership and being partly responsible for Labour's losses in recent elections. James Murray has been appointed as the new Health Secretary.
In other developments, former deputy PM Angela Rayner settled a £40,000 unpaid stamp duty bill with HMRC, which cleared her of deliberate wrongdoing. Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell is expected to call for Burnham, Streeting, and Rayner to be 'key players' in the party's future team.
