Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared he will not set a timetable to step down, even if Andy Burnham wins the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Speaking at Labour headquarters, Starmer acknowledged the recent election results were 'really tough' but insisted he remains focused on governing and delivering change.
Starmer urged party members to back the Labour candidate against Reform UK in the by-election, calling it 'the fight that we are in'. The contest follows the formal resignation of MP Josh Simons, who was appointed to the historic but ceremonial role of steward and bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern to leave parliament.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has declined to comment on renewed speculation about the UK potentially rejoining the EU. Chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said the focus remains on sectoral discussions within the current bilateral framework, cautioning against drawing 'far-reaching conclusions' about future membership.
Starmer highlighted recent economic growth figures and NHS improvements as evidence of his government's progress, while acknowledging public frustration that change has not come quickly enough. 'We need a bit more hope in there,' he told Labour staff, vowing to continue serving the country.
