British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled his strategy to confront Andy Burnham and retain his position as Prime Minister. Burnham, the current Greater Manchester Mayor, is expected to launch a leadership challenge if he wins the Makerfield by-election on Thursday and returns to Parliament. Burnham plans to issue an ultimatum to Starmer over the weekend, demanding a resignation date. However, Starmer insists he will not step down without a fight.
Starmer's Defiant Stance
Speaking on Thursday morning, Starmer stated, “If there’s a leadership challenge from anyone, I’m not going to walk away, I’m going to fight it.” The Prime Minister aims to set a significant test for Burnham by redirecting the Labour Party’s focus to the upcoming election for a new mayor of Greater Manchester, which could take weeks. This move is designed to halt Burnham’s momentum and potentially hold him accountable if Labour loses the election, where Reform is expected to be a major challenger.
Preview of the Argument
No 10 is expected to advance this argument on Friday and over the weekend, but Starmer offered a preview in a TV interview. He told Channel 4 News that Burnham is a “huge asset” and a “fantastic mayor,” but emphasized that the immediate priority after the by-election is the Manchester mayoralty. “The focus of the whole party will have to go to the Manchester mayoralty because that will come up within weeks,” Starmer said.
Mixed Reactions from Labour MPs
While many Labour MPs sympathize with the idea that Burnham should ensure the party retains Greater Manchester, others are determined to oust Starmer. Angela Rayner hinted at the need for change, stating, “It’s hard to escape the feeling that the public have had towards Keir.” Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed he will launch a leadership challenge, and Cabinet colleagues like Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper are quietly lobbying to retain their positions in a potential Burnham-led government.
Potential Outcomes
If Burnham loses in Makerfield, the situation could change dramatically. Starmer might survive if his main rival is Streeting. However, many Labour MPs and activists believe that Burnham, if he returns to Parliament, is their only hope to avoid disaster at the next General Election. It may already be too late to stop him.
