Labour MP Rachael Maskell has urged Andy Burnham to launch a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer 'really quickly' if he wins the Makerfield byelection, as the party looks to regain its direction.
Timing of a leadership bid
Maskell, who was campaigning in Makerfield, said Burnham should move swiftly after being sworn in as an MP. 'We need to move forward. This country is crying out for his leadership. He needs to get sworn in and after that we need to look at the leadership and make sure we can form a good cohesive Labour government on the back of it,' she told the Guardian.
When asked if she wanted to see Burnham in No 10 before the Labour conference in September, Maskell hinted it could happen sooner: 'I'm optimistic that can happen really quickly.'
Makerfield byelection prospects
Burnham is expected to win the Makerfield byelection comfortably, aided by his high profile, support from anti-Reform coalition of Liberal Democrat and Green voters, and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party splitting the right-wing vote.
Maskell described the mood in the Burnham camp as 'really positive', noting that people are smiling in the party again and feel Labour has found its values and purpose. She added that some voters have taken down Reform UK posters to back Burnham, as he brings people together.
