Labour has descended into civil war, according to Kemi Badenoch, as Andy Burnham confirmed his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election following the resignation of Josh Simons, the current Labour MP for Makerfield, who stepped down to make way for Burnham. Sir Keir Starmer's ally Pat McFadden has warned of the 'political risk' of a by-election and stated that it was not up to Mr Simons whether Mr Burnham could run in the seat he was vacating.
The Work and Pensions Secretary was live on BBC Radio 4's PM programme when the Makerfield MP announced he was stepping down to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to run in an effort to return to Westminster. Mr McFadden said: 'I think any unnecessary by-election is always a political risk. If Andy puts himself forward as the candidate for that, I don't know if others will too. Any decision on who should be on a shortlist for the by-election would be taken by the NEC (Labour's ruling National Executive Committee).'
Asked whether Mr Burnham should be given the green light to stand by the NEC, Mr McFadden said: 'MPs don't get to pick their successors. It doesn't work like that. There'll be a selection contest, there'll be an NEC process, all of that will have to be gone through.'
Full Story: Starmer Latest - Burnham Seeks to Stand in By-Election Paving Way for Labour Leadership Challenge
The by-election in Makerfield is expected to be a key test for Labour, with Burnham's potential candidacy seen by some as a stepping stone for a future leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The situation has sparked internal tensions within the party, with senior figures divided over the implications of Burnham's return to Westminster.
