Andy Burnham's rapid ascent to become the likely next Prime Minister has exposed underlying weaknesses within the Labour Party, according to Conservative MP Esther McVey. Speaking on the Daily Expresso podcast, McVey argued that the lack of challengers for the leadership after Keir Starmer's sudden resignation on Monday indicates serious problems within Labour's ranks.
Lack of Rivals Highlights Labour's 'Duffs and Duds'
McVey pointed out that Burnham's unopposed path to the top job suggests a lack of credible alternatives among Labour MPs. 'That says something that they couldn't, amongst their MPs, find anybody,' she said. 'That's four hundred of them – that's the whole cabinet that they're saying are duffs and duds. They brought him in to do that.'
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made no secret of his ambition to become Prime Minister. He was sworn in as an MP on Monday after winning the Makerfield by-election. If no other candidate steps up to challenge him, he could become Prime Minister in as little as three weeks.
Concerns Over Burnham's Readiness for Prime Minister Role
While Burnham has received backing from several Labour MPs, including former health secretary Wes Streeting, McVey raised concerns about his swift transition from mayor to parliament. 'People have talked about the sheer arrogance that he left his mayoral seat in Manchester,' she said. 'He was given a seat to fight, he will then come in and people will say, “hang on, isn’t there going to be the Prime Minister of the country? Isn’t there going to be anybody to stand against him?”'
McVey emphasised the significant difference between the roles of mayor and Prime Minister. 'People need to understand the position of mayor is very different to the position of Prime Minister,' she said, suggesting that Burnham's experience as mayor may not adequately prepare him for the demands of national leadership.
Labour Civil War Brewing Over Chancellor Pick
The leadership contest has already sparked internal conflict within Labour, with reports of a civil war over Burnham's choice for Chancellor. The situation remains fluid as ministers evaluate whether to challenge Burnham for the leadership. If no one steps up, Burnham could become the next Prime Minister within weeks, further exposing the party's internal divisions.
