Efforts to oust Keir Starmer from Downing Street took a significant leap on Thursday as Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would stand down to make way for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to return to Parliament. A by-election will now be held in Simons' Makerfield constituency, and Burnham is expected to stand as a candidate, subject to approval by Labour's National Executive Committee.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Government on Thursday, stating it was clear the Prime Minister will not lead Labour into the next general election. Streeting, a long-time leadership hopeful, stopped short of formally triggering a contest, which requires backing from 81 Labour MPs. He called for a broad field of candidates, opening the door for Burnham's return.
Wes Streeting, who grew up in a council flat in east London and studied at Cambridge, has long harboured leadership ambitions. The 43-year-old Blairite figure is known for his effective communication skills and has survived kidney cancer. However, his close ties to Peter Mandelson and a narrow majority of 528 votes in the 2024 election are potential vulnerabilities.
Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, is another potential candidate. She has branded herself as 'proper working-class', having grown up on a council estate, left school without qualifications, and become a grandmother at 37. Her authentic appeal could resonate with the Labour base.
Other names in the mix include Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, who is expected to seek a return to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election. The NEC's earlier block on his candidacy is said to be softening, and if successful, he could trigger a leadership contest.
The race remains uncertain, with no formal challenge yet launched. The Mirror's analysis highlights six potential contenders, but the field may expand as events unfold.
