A UK Government minister has stated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is "getting on with the job" following Andy Burnham's by-election victory in Makerfield, which has sparked speculation about a potential leadership challenge.
Minister's Response to Burnham's Victory
Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill praised the Greater Manchester mayor's win, calling him a "great new Member of Parliament and a great champion." However, she emphasised that there is no vacancy at Number 10 and urged party colleagues to "crack on" with their current responsibilities.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast, the Labour MP said: "I'm a member of the Prime Minister's Government and proud to be so. I support the Prime Minister, I think we should all get on with jobs we were sent to Westminster to do."
Focus on Governance
Ms McNeill highlighted the government's recent activities, including the Prime Minister's attendance at the G7 and her own trip to China to promote trade with Scotland. She stressed: "There is no leadership contest, let's be absolutely clear about that."
Instead of internal contests, she argued that the next task for Labour is to retain the Greater Manchester mayoralty, following Mr Burnham's success in Makerfield. She noted that his victory showed "when the Labour Party comes together, we can win" and that the party could "absolutely beat Reform."
Call for Faster Change
Ms McNeill acknowledged that Labour must deliver change "much faster" and be "more ambitious" to meet voters' expectations. She said: "People are so hungry for change, and we have to listen to that hunger and we have to meet it."
While admitting that incumbent governments globally are "feeling pressure," she insisted that Sir Keir remains focused on his role. "The Prime Minister has said he is going to get on with the job he was sent to Westminster to do and sent to Downing Street to do," she added.
No Leadership Contest
Reiterating her stance, Ms McNeill declared: "There is no contest for the leadership of the Labour Party because we have got a Prime Minister getting on with the job."
