Andy Burnham has revealed that Labour MPs are privately urging him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership, as he accused Downing Street of creating a 'climate of fear' among MPs. The Greater Manchester mayor, speaking to the Daily Telegraph ahead of the Labour conference, said any such move would need to be 'more than a personality contest' and must involve a plan for the country.
Burnham, a former New Labour minister and ex-MP for Leigh, has made a series of high-profile interventions this week, fuelling speculation he is considering a third run at the Labour leadership. In an interview with the New Statesman, he argued that wholesale change is needed to address an 'existential threat' to the party. He also backed scrapping the two-child benefit limit, calling it an 'abhorrent policy'.
However, Burnham faces significant obstacles if he decides to mount a challenge. He would need to resign as mayor of Greater Manchester, a role he has committed to serving until May 2028, and win a parliamentary by-election. Housing Secretary Steve Reed dismissed the remarks, noting that Starmer had led Labour to a 'record-breaking election victory' and that Burnham was entitled to his views.
Burnham confirmed he still harbours ambitions to become prime minister, having stood twice for the Labour leadership. He outlined policy ideas including higher council tax on some homes in southern England, a 50p top rate of income tax, and more public control of housing, energy, water and rail. He also signalled a willingness to work with the Liberal Democrats and Jeremy Corbyn.
