Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he would offer Andy Burnham a cabinet position, describing the Greater Manchester mayor as a 'huge asset'. The remarks come as Starmer faces a potential leadership challenge following the upcoming Makerfield byelection.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, Starmer said he hoped Burnham would win the byelection and play a big part in a Labour government. However, allies of Burnham have said the mayor would not be interested in serving under Starmer if he returned to Westminster.
Starmer stated he intended to fight any challenge, saying he was not going to walk away. Former health secretary Wes Streeting has suggested he would be prepared to trigger a contest, giving the prime minister the weekend to reflect. Streeting claimed to have the support of 81 Labour MPs needed to force a ballot.
Burnham’s supporters have cast doubt on Streeting’s level of support. Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has called the Makerfield byelection a 'line in the sand', warning that time is running out for Labour to turn its fortunes around.
