Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he will stand in any Labour leadership contest triggered by Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection, warning that such a contest would 'plunge us into chaos'. Speaking at an event in north London, Starmer said: 'If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then, yes, I will run.'
Burnham won the byelection with 55% of the vote, prompting renewed calls for Starmer to consider his position. In his victory speech, Burnham described the result as 'a turning point' and said people had 'voted for change. They have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster.'
Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, who helped lead Burnham's campaign, urged Starmer to set out a timetable for his exit to avoid a 'brutal and unpleasant' leadership contest. Labour MP Patrick Hurley also called for new leadership, stating: 'We'd almost forgotten what it felt like to have hope and optimism to win an election – that's been in short supply over the last 18 months.'
Starmer stressed his mandate from the 2024 general election, saying: 'We had a mandate two years ago to carry out change and we've done incredible things … There's more to do.' He urged party unity, stating it was time to 'pull together as a party' and avoid 'turning on each other'.
Starmer's strategy includes putting obstacles in Burnham's path, such as suggesting the Greater Manchester mayoral election to replace Burnham should take place first. Starmer has offered Burnham a top job, but Burnham has rebuffed the offer. Starmer said he had not yet spoken to Burnham but had sent his congratulations.
