Burnham to make bid to return as MP as pressure mounts on Starmer
Burnham’s Return to the Commons Amid Leadership Uncertainty
Burnham to make bid to return – Following the resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary, Andy Burnham is set to challenge for a parliamentary seat, aiming to re-enter the House of Commons. Streeting cited a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, which has been under increasing scrutiny since Labour’s recent election performance. Burnham, who currently serves as Greater Manchester’s mayor, plans to run in the Makerfield constituency, a move supported by Labour MP Josh Simons, who announced his own exit from the role to pave the way for him. This development has sparked renewed discussions about the direction of the Labour Party and the potential for a leadership contest.
Although no formal challenge to Starmer’s leadership has been launched yet, the political landscape is shifting rapidly. Streeting, the first cabinet minister to resign, blamed the “unpopularity of this government” for Labour’s poor results in the recent elections. He emphasized that leaders must shoulder responsibility, yet the party has seen several MPs stepping down in recent weeks, with some accusing the government of not taking accountability. Streeting’s departure signals a broader discontent within the party, as he argued that the country needs “bold vision and bigger solutions” to address its pressing challenges.
“Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords,” Streeting said, highlighting the growing frustration among Labour members.
Meanwhile, Burnham has expressed his readiness to seek public support for a return to Parliament. He believes that the changes he has implemented in Greater Manchester can be replicated across the UK, offering a vision of “politics that works properly for people.” His campaign will focus on regaining the trust of constituents in the north-west, a region where Labour narrowly held power in 2024 with a 5,399-vote majority over Reform UK. Burnham’s determination to contest the Makerfield seat underscores his ambition to influence the party’s strategy at a critical juncture.
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister and a prominent figure in the leadership race, recently resolved her tax affairs with HMRC. After an investigation revealed she had underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove, Rayner admitted to the mistake and settled £40,000 in unpaid duty. She described herself as “exonerated” from allegations that she had “deliberately sought to avoid tax.” Despite this, Rayner has not confirmed whether she will seek the leadership, though she remains a potential contender. Her spokesperson told the Guardian that she would “not trigger” a contest but would “play her part” in delivering the party’s agenda.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has welcomed the leadership contest, vowing to “throw absolutely everything at it” to challenge Labour. The party’s recent council election victories in the north-west have emboldened Farage, who sees an opportunity to capitalize on the party’s internal dynamics. However, the by-election in Makerfield, which will determine Burnham’s parliamentary prospects, is still pending. The government has not yet announced the date, as the process depends on when it formally triggers the contest.
Earlier in the week, Burnham was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee from contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, which Labour lost to the Green Party. This setback was a significant hurdle, but the BBC reports that Starmer is unlikely to repeat the same action with Burnham’s candidacy in Makerfield. An ally of Starmer stated that the prime minister remains “focused on bringing the party together to tackle the issues facing working families,” though this does not preclude a leadership challenge.
Labour’s leadership contest is a pivotal moment, with the requirement that any candidate must be an MP. This means Burnham, Simons, and potential others like Rayner are eligible to run. The contest will hinge on whether the party can unite behind a single leader or if multiple candidates will emerge to vie for the top spot. With 403 Labour MPs, a challenge would need the support of at least 81 members to gain traction. Sir Keir Starmer, however, would automatically be on the ballot if he chooses to run, ensuring his position remains secure unless he voluntarily steps down.
Speculation and Political Strategy
The leadership vacuum has created a fertile ground for speculation about Starmer’s future. While he has not formally announced his candidacy, his supporters insist he remains the party’s unifying force. Nevertheless, the resignation of Streeting and the subsequent exit of Simons have weakened Starmer’s grip on the Labour machine. Streeting’s decision to step down without declaring a leadership bid suggests a cautious approach, but his camp maintains that he has enough backing to trigger a contest if necessary.
Labour MP Alan Gemmell, who supports Streeting, told BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme that the party is prioritizing “a discussion, a battle of ideas, and an open contest” to determine its path forward. Gemmell argued that the leadership race is not just about replacing Starmer but about fixing the broader problems facing the party. This sentiment reflects a growing belief among MPs that the current leadership lacks the necessary momentum to address Labour’s challenges effectively.
Streeting’s successor as health secretary has been announced as James Murray, who will take over from his role as chief secretary to the Treasury. Murray’s appointment signals a shift in focus, with the government now looking to stabilize its position in the wake of recent losses. However, the leadership contest may still impact the party’s internal cohesion, as different factions vie for influence. Burnham’s bid is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support in the north-west and challenge the status quo.
Rayner’s tax resolution has not diminished her political influence, and she remains a key figure in the leadership race. While she has not ruled out running, her emphasis on collective responsibility suggests a preference for working within the party’s structure rather than immediately launching a challenge. This approach aligns with her reputation as a pragmatic leader, though her absence from the cabinet since last September has left some questions about her role in the upcoming contest.
As the by-election date approaches, the focus shifts to Burnham’s ability to rally support and deliver results. His campaign will need to address the concerns that have led to the resignation of key figures like Streeting, while also proving that he can replicate the success he has achieved in Greater Manchester. The outcome of this contest could shape the future of Labour, determining whether the party continues under Starmer’s leadership or embarks on a new direction with a different voice at the helm.