Sir Keir Starmer is facing a significant internal rebellion as senior Labour figures including Andy Burnham launch scathing attacks on the party's approach to northern constituencies.
The Labour leader finds himself under fire after controversial decisions in Liverpool and growing discontent among northern MPs who fear the party is alienating its traditional heartlands.
Burnham's Stinging Rebuke
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham didn't mince words when he declared that Labour appears to be "turning its back on the North." His intervention represents the most high-profile challenge to Starmer's authority from within the party's ranks.
"When you turn your back on your own people, you turn your back on your own history," Burnham stated, delivering a powerful critique that resonates through Labour's northern strongholds.
Liverpool Selection Controversy
The tension escalated following the contentious selection process in Liverpool, where local members expressed outrage over the treatment of their preferred candidate. This has sparked fears of a widening rift between the Labour leadership and its northern base.
Jess Phillips, the outspoken Birmingham Yardley MP, echoed these concerns, warning that the party risks losing touch with communities that have historically formed its bedrock of support.
Northern Discontent Reaches Boiling Point
Multiple sources within Labour's northern constituencies report growing unease about the party's direction. Many fear that Starmer's team is prioritising southern swing seats at the expense of traditional northern supporters.
This internal conflict emerges at a critical juncture, with a general election looming and Labour attempting to present a united front against the Conservatives.
Leadership Under Pressure
Starmer now faces the delicate task of managing this internal dissent while maintaining party discipline. The public nature of criticism from influential figures like Burnham suggests deeper underlying tensions that could threaten Labour's electoral prospects.
As one Labour insider noted: "When your own mayors and senior MPs are publicly questioning your strategy, you know you have a serious problem."
