Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has questioned whether Wes Streeting could secure the backing of 81 MPs needed to trigger a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The Justice Secretary and Tottenham MP reiterated his loyalty to the Prime Minister, who represents Holborn and St Pancras, amid growing speculation over his position.
Mr Lammy told LBC Radio that there is no leadership race “at the moment” after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he would enter a contest if one were launched and if he wins the Makerfield by-election. Allies of Ilford North MP Mr Streeting had previously briefed that he could gain the support of 81 MPs to oust Sir Keir, but Mr Lammy dismissed this, saying “it didn’t look like he was able to get those names.”
Asked if he would serve under a Burnham premiership, Mr Lammy said he would not engage in such speculation but added: “If there were to be a change of leader, of course, you serve at the will of the person who is leading the party. Keir Starmer has got my full loyalty until the day he no longer wishes to serve.”
Mr Burnham, widely viewed as Sir Keir’s main rival, appeared on a BBC Question Time special for the Makerfield by-election on Thursday night and stressed the need for a “fundamental change” in Westminster. He said: “I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I’d have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same.”
A No 10 spokesperson hit back, stating: “The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and it has not been triggered. The Prime Minister will not walk away from the mandate he was given just two years ago to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”
Mr Burnham is one of 14 candidates in the Makerfield by-election, triggered when Labour’s Josh Simons stood down. A Survation poll released on Thursday evening showed Mr Burnham on 49%, ahead of Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon on 39%, with other candidates trailing.
