Andy Burnham would beat Sir Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest, according to new polling of Labour members. The Greater Manchester mayor has criticised the party, stating that what they have offered in the past ‘has simply not been good enough’.
Starmer Pledges to Stay Amid Challenges
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged he will not “walk away” amid leadership challenges while restating his hopes to “fight the next election.” However, it is widely expected that Burnham will launch a leadership campaign to oust Sir Keir if he returns to Westminster, as he aims to become Labour’s MP candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Burnham Calls for 'Big Changes'
The prime minister’s popularity has plummeted following dismal local election results. Speaking at the Great North Investment Summit, Burnham warned that “big changes” are needed in how the UK is run. He criticised the last 40 years of British politics, saying: “We have an unaccountable state where too much is delivered by arms length or outsourced agencies that local councillors can't control.”
Revelations of Dirty Tricks
There has been fury over revelations that Downing Street and Starmer loyalists may be trying to sabotage Burnham’s campaign for the Makerfield by-election. Independent MP Karl Turner condemned the tactics, stating: “They can’t help themselves can they. Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t want back in Labour. He’s said: ‘That ship has sailed’. Stop the dirty tricks campaign. It’s utterly pathetic. And dishonest. Stop it now.”
Downing Street Accused of Plot
Allies of Burnham claim Downing Street is involved in a plot to derail his hopes of returning to parliament. Fears have been raised that the Labour leadership will “soft-play” support for Burnham in the by-election, asking MPs to campaign but not setting a three-line whip. Labour MPs have also been briefed that Burnham could bring back former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled in 2024 over antisemitism.
Other Political Developments
In other news, 80 charity leaders have called on the UK to show more ambition over global aid ahead of the British-hosted Global Partnerships Conference. Labour chairwoman Anna Turley has demanded transparency over Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from a donor, while the Conservatives are pushing for a vote on oil and gas drilling licences.
