Andy Burnham faced mockery today at the State Opening of Parliament for his overt efforts to return to Westminster and potentially replace the Prime Minister. The Greater Manchester mayor became the subject of a joke by a Labour MP over his political maneuvering in pursuit of Sir Keir Starmer's position.
Heckle During Traditional Ceremony
Mr Burnham has been linked to a potential challenge against Sir Keir, but he must first secure a Commons seat. He was seen in London yesterday, reportedly holding discussions with MPs about stepping down to facilitate his return, earning him the nickname 'the King of the North'.
During the State Opening this morning, tradition dictated that the door to the Commons chamber was slammed in Black Rod's face, requiring him to knock three times before being granted entry. As he knocked, a backbench MP inside shouted: 'Not now Andy.' Three backbench MPs identified the heckler as Torcuil Crichton, a former journalist and Labour MP for the Scottish constituency of Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
Leadership Tensions Mount
Mr Burnham's ambitions could be complicated by a leadership battle to replace Sir Keir, as finding a willing MP to give up their seat and holding a by-election could take months. Meanwhile, Wes Streeting is reportedly poised to trigger a Labour leadership contest today, as Sir Keir appeals for unity and urges MPs not to 'sink into the politics of division'.
The Prime Minister unveiled the King's Speech while facing questions about his longevity in No10. The Health Secretary is said to have informed allies of his readiness to resign and launch a challenge as early as tomorrow, following a tense 16-minute meeting with Sir Keir this morning.
A senior Government source told the Daily Mail: 'Yes, it's happening. Wes is definitely going for it.' Another Labour aide added: 'I don't see how they can not after all this briefing.' Mr Streeting was notably absent from the frontbench in the Commons as MPs awaited the monarch, with Sir Keir flanked by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Rachel Reeves. He later appeared near the Speaker's chair and joined the Lords to watch the Speech beside Tory James Cleverly.
Allies had pledged to remain silent to avoid embarrassing the King, but his intentions leaked shortly after the abortive talks with Sir Keir. The news caused Government borrowing costs, already near 28-year highs, to spike again.
