Sir Keir Starmer can survive a leadership challenge, a cabinet minister has said, after Andy Burnham confirmed he would enter any contest to replace the prime minister. Lord Hermer, the attorney general, told the BBC that Starmer had been underestimated throughout his career but had always proven his critics wrong.
Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, fired the starting gun on his campaign on Thursday, saying he would challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership if he wins the Makerfield by-election this month. The by-election was triggered when Labour MP Josh Simons stood down to allow Burnham to return to parliament.
Starmer's premiership has been under pressure since poor local election results last month led to high-profile resignations and calls for him to quit. However, Lord Hermer said Starmer was determined to deliver on his mandate. 'Keir is leader, prime minister, with a mandate from the general election and an absolute determination to better this country,' he said.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also said Starmer would fight any challenge, calling it a 'huge distraction'. A by-election poll released on Thursday showed Burnham leading with 49 per cent, ahead of Reform UK's Robert Kenyon on 39 per cent.
