Andy Burnham has confirmed for the first time that he would challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer if he becomes an MP and a leadership race is triggered. During a special Makerfield by-election episode of BBC Question Time, the Greater Manchester Mayor joked that "Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest" and said he had asked his aides to have a "proper look at this."
Reacting to his comments, Deputy PM David Lammy said Burnham would be a "great asset in Westminster" but stressed that Starmer has a five-year mandate. A Number 10 spokesperson added: "The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hardworking people, not get distracted by Westminster debates."
Burnham has since distanced himself from talk of a snap general election. He told The Guardian: "Calling a general election? I'm sorry, I think there's a limit to how much time people want people to be on their doorsteps, isn't there?"
Meanwhile, Reform's Makerfield candidate was branded a "sexist plumber" and blasted for refusing to apologise to Carol Vorderman over a derogatory remark. In a dramatic exchange, an audience member told him: "I would rather have a career politician than a sexist plumber."
The Prime Minister has urged FIFA to "think of the fans" after they banned reusable water bottles at World Cup stadiums. Speaking to LBC, Starmer said: "It's just wrong and I can't help but think that it's about making money."
A Number 10 spokeswoman criticised Kemi Badenoch's suggestion that identity politics could lead to "civil war," saying: "That's not the Britain that we recognise. We are reasonable, tolerant people."
