Josh Simons stood down for Burnham as Labour was ‘imploding’
Josh Simons Steps Down to Enable Andy Burnham’s Leadership Bid
Josh Simons stood down for Burnham – Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, has announced his intention to resign from the House of Commons, paving the way for Andy Burnham to enter the race for the party’s leadership. The move comes amid growing internal turmoil within Labour, with Simons describing the party’s state as one of “imploding” over the past week. His decision, which he said was made in consultation with his family, underscores the political pressure mounting on the party’s leadership as it faces mounting criticism and a critical juncture in its future.
Labour’s Leadership Crisis Intensifies
Simons’ announcement follows Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, which has sparked calls for a leadership change. The party’s backbenchers, including prominent figures like Sir Keir Starmer, are under scrutiny for their handling of the party’s decline. Some MPs are now pushing for a clear timeline for Starmer to step down, citing a lack of unity and direction within the party. This internal discord has created a vacuum that Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is now positioned to fill.
“We were heading for a leadership election with the Labour Party split into different factions, and there was no hope, no energy that anything would change,” Simons said. “Labour needs to change and the whole government needs to change.”
Burnham, who has served as metro mayor since 2017, must first regain his parliamentary seat to challenge Starmer. Simons expressed confidence in Burnham’s ability to secure the position, noting that the former mayor has deep roots in the constituency. “Makerfield is where Andy Burnham has lived for 25 years,” Simons remarked. “He’s coming home.”
The By-Election as a Political Turning Point
Simons’ resignation has placed Burnham in the spotlight as the likely candidate for the by-election in Makerfield. The race is expected to be fiercely contested, particularly given Reform UK’s strong showing in the recent local elections. Despite the challenges, Simons emphasized that this moment represents a pivotal opportunity to reshape the political landscape. “It’s gonna be a really, really, really tough fight. That’s the truth,” he acknowledged.
“Sometimes in history, when people take risks and they say, ‘I think this is the right fight to have, but I don’t know if we’re going to win it,’ that’s what changes the story. That’s what changes the course of things,” Simons added.
The by-election, scheduled to take place shortly after Simons’ departure, has become a symbolic battleground for Labour’s future. Simons, who has only held his seat for two years, described the decision as the “most difficult of my life.” His family played a central role in the choice, with his wife being a key voice in the deliberations. “We decided as a family,” he said. “It’s been incredibly fast, if I’m honest.”
Simons’ Personal Sacrifices and New Beginnings
Simons also highlighted the personal toll of his decision, particularly since the birth of his three-week-old son. “The first thing I’m going to do is spend some time with my three-week-old son,” he stated. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since he was born, and now this. I’m going to spend some time with my wife and my three kids and my newborn son.”
“And most importantly, I’m going to be helping to win this by-election,” Simons concluded.
Although some rumors suggest Simons may be running for mayor of Manchester, he clarified that he has no such plans at the moment. “There’s some mad chat going around that I’m running for mayor of Manchester now, but I can tell you live right now, I’m not doing that,” he said. Instead, his focus remains on supporting Burnham’s campaign and ensuring the by-election results reflect the public’s will.
Leadership Challenges and Political Realignments
Simons’ departure coincides with a wave of resignations and criticisms from within Labour. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, for instance, resigned from the government on the same day as news broke that an investigation into Angela Rayner’s tax affairs had concluded. These events signal a broader sense of frustration among senior members, who are questioning the effectiveness of Starmer’s leadership.
“We’ve been speaking about this for a few days,” Simons said. “It’s been incredibly fast, if I’m honest.”
Burnham’s potential candidacy has sparked speculation about his chances in Makerfield, a constituency where Reform UK made significant gains in the recent local elections. Simons, who won his seat by 5,399 votes in the last election, noted that the area has become a focal point for political realignment. “I think Burnham can win,” he said, adding that the mayor’s long-standing connection to the region is a decisive advantage.
The by-election is not just a local affair but a national one, as it may determine the trajectory of Labour’s recovery. Simons believes that the contest could serve as a test case for the party’s ability to regroup and present a compelling alternative to the current government. “This is a chance to reset the narrative,” he said, though he admitted uncertainty about the outcome. “I do not know what will happen in that by-election.”
A Shift in Strategy for Labour
Labour’s leadership crisis has led to a reevaluation of its strategies. With the party divided between factions, some members are advocating for a more radical approach to attract voters. Simons’ decision to step aside reflects a growing willingness among MPs to support a new direction, even if it means personal sacrifice.
“Labour needs to change and the whole government needs to change,” Simons reiterated.
The timing of Simons’ resignation is strategic, as it aligns with the heightened public interest in Labour’s future. His departure may also open the door for other potential candidates to step forward, further complicating the leadership race. For now, Burnham remains the frontrunner, with his campaign centered on reinvigorating the party’s image and reconnecting with voters in Greater Manchester.
Simons’ focus on the by-election highlights the importance of local politics in shaping national outcomes. His confidence in Burnham’s ability to win, despite the challenges, underscores the hope that a new leader can unite the party and restore its momentum. As the race unfolds, the stakes for Labour—and for the broader political landscape—have never been higher.
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