It is hard to recall any moment over the past two years when one might have envied Sir Keir Starmer. His entire tenure as Prime Minister has been fraught with challenges, marked by numerous 'worst weeks of his premiership'. Yet, even by those grim standards, recent events have been particularly dire. In previous government catastrophes, Starmer at least played a central role; now, he seems almost like a side character in his own downfall.
If Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election tomorrow, senior Cabinet members are expected to push for him to take over Number 10 at the earliest opportunity, arguing that a swift transition would benefit the country. The Prime Minister has made it clear he does not intend to step aside. 'I am not going to walk away, I am going to fight,' he told Beth Rigby of Sky News earlier today.
Starmer believes his 2024 election victory granted him a five-year mandate, giving him leeway to make mistakes and correct course before the next election in 2029. He questions why he should be given so little time to prove himself, given the dire state of the country when he entered Downing Street. Previous Prime Ministers resigned for specific reasons: Theresa May over Brexit, Boris Johnson due to scandals, Liz Truss because of economic turmoil. There is little precedent for a leader being forced out simply due to chronic unpopularity.
However, the issue runs deeper. There is a perception that Starmer lacks a bold political vision, content with minor tweaks to the status quo when the country craves transformative change. When John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary, accusing the PM of indecision that risked national security, it became nearly impossible to imagine Starmer remaining in power. Yet, Starmer insists that removing him now would plunge the country into chaos during a volatile geopolitical period.
In a final gambit during his Sky News interview, Starmer suggested he wanted Burnham 'to have a big role in government' if he wins the by-election. This was a plea to MPs and party members, promising cooperation with a man he reportedly dislikes, if it allows him to complete his term. Within hours, the Manchester Evening News quoted a 'senior Labour source' indicating Burnham would reject such an offer. If Makerfield goes Burnham's way, he is focused on the top job. For Starmer, that means time is up.
