GB News dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer as presenter Alex Armstrong declared that a snap general election is imminent. The announcement followed Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election, which has intensified rumours of a leadership challenge against the struggling Prime Minister.
Armstrong predicts snap election
On air, Armstrong stated: "A snap general election is coming very soon, mark my words. Andy Burnham is, of course, now reportedly staging a coup against Keir Starmer and his own government's agenda." He noted that Burnham did not stand under the current Labour manifesto, raising questions about his mandate.
Armstrong continued: "If Burnham is coronated, which I think is very likely, and becomes Prime Minister, what authority will he have? How can he ask his own Labour MPs to walk through the division lobby to vote on policies that they weren't even elected on? It would be nothing short of an authoritarian coup, wouldn't it? A Prime Minister and an agenda voted in by 0.03% of the British population."
Burnham's path to power
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, secured a seat in Parliament with his by-election win, fuelling speculation that he plans to oust Starmer. Armstrong argued that Burnham would need a fresh mandate: "He does need a mandate, a general election, given he is clearly going to rip things up and start again."
However, Armstrong suggested this could benefit Labour temporarily: "Burnham's going to see a nice honeymoon bounce because he simply isn't Keir Starmer." He warned that such a bounce would not last, drawing parallels to Gordon Brown's honeymoon period that led to his downfall.
Starmer under pressure
Rumours are circulating that Starmer could resign as early as Monday as Labour MPs increase pressure on him to step aside. The Prime Minister has faced mounting criticism over his leadership and the party's direction.
Armstrong concluded: "The right of British politics is currently in disarray," suggesting that the timing may be right for Burnham to call a general election to secure his authority.
