Sir Keir Starmer is poised at the centre of a potential political earthquake within the Labour Party, as the imminent departure of his current deputy, Angela Rayner, triggers a high-stakes battle for her successor. The contest is set to be dramatically upended by the possible return of one of Labour's biggest heavyweights.
Andy Burnham, the high-profile Mayor of Greater Manchester, is being heavily tipped by senior party figures to make a stunning comeback to Westminster politics. His current term concludes in 2024, perfectly aligning with the expected timeline for the deputy leadership contest, sparking fervent speculation about his intentions.
A Crowded Field of Contenders
While Burnham's potential entry dominates conversations, he is far from the only candidate vying for the role. The field is expected to be crowded and competitive, featuring:
- Angela Rayner: The current deputy, who may yet seek re-election to consolidate her power base within the party.
- Anneliese Dodds: The current Party Chair and a key Starmer ally, positioned as a steady hand.
- Lisa Nandy: The shadow levelling up secretary, whose national profile has risen significantly.
- Wes Streeting: The shadow health secretary, representing the party's modernising wing.
The Burnham Factor: Kingmaker or King?
Dubbed the 'King in the North', Burnham's return would send shockwaves through the party's establishment. His immense public profile and independent power base, forged in Manchester, could make him less a deputy and more a co-pilot, fundamentally altering the dynamics of Starmer's top team.
However, his path is not without obstacles. A return would require him to secure a parliamentary seat, likely necessitating a safe seat arrangement—a move that could be controversial with local members. Furthermore, his brand of northern-focused, devolution-maximising politics may clash with the centralised command of Starmer's London operation.
The coming months will see intense manoeuvring and whispered negotiations behind closed doors in Westminster. The choice of deputy will be the clearest signal yet of the direction Starmer wishes to take the Labour Party into the next general election, defining its character and priorities for years to come.
