Andy Burnham has confirmed he will stand for the Labour leadership, declaring on BBC's Question Time that he will 'fight to the highest level' if he wins the upcoming Makerfield by-election. The Greater Manchester Mayor's announcement comes amid growing speculation about a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, with Wes Streeting also confirming his intention to run.
Speaking on the programme, Burnham expressed frustration with Westminster politics and said he does not blame voters who have left the party. 'Our party needs to do better,' he stated, as he prepares to contest the seat vacated by Labour MP Josh Simons, who resigned to make way for the former minister.
Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, confirmed his leadership bid earlier, saying 'we need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field.' However, no formal process has been triggered, and doubts remain over whether Streeting has the required number of MP nominations.
The by-election carries significant risk for Labour, with Reform UK posing a strong challenge in a seat where they came second in 2024. Polling expert Sir John Curtice warned Burnham is 'putting his political career on the line,' as he must defy current electoral trends to win.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy dismissed leadership speculation as 'froth and nonsense,' while rebuking Streeting's stance on Brexit. She argued that reopening the EU debate would be a mistake, saying 'the answer has to be bigger' than returning to 2015.
