Keir Starmer will not attempt to block Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election, the Guardian understands. The Greater Manchester mayor issued a statement calling for “much bigger change at a national level” and citing the cost of living crisis as a priority. Josh Simons, the incumbent MP, has resigned to free up the seat.
An ally of Starmer said: “Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families.” The move comes amid internal Labour turmoil after heavy losses in last week’s local elections.
Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, telling Starmer he would not lead Labour into the next general election and calling for a leadership contest with “the best possible field of candidates”. James Murray, formerly Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has been appointed as the new health secretary.
In a separate development, Angela Rayner settled a £40,000 tax bill with HMRC over unpaid stamp duty and has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing. Deputy leader Lucy Powell is expected to call for Burnham, Streeting and Rayner to be “key players” in Labour’s future team.
Nigel Farage provided a new explanation for a £5m gift from a Reform UK donor, telling the Sun it was a “reward” for campaigning for Brexit, after previously describing it as a security measure. Liberal Democrat Lisa Smart condemned Labour’s “arrogance”, while Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram said the party should welcome a leadership challenge from Burnham.
