Burnham allies predict swift Labour leadership transition after MP support surge
8 reported
Allies of Andy Burnham are increasingly confident of a coronation-style transfer of power after the number of MPs backing him for the Labour leadership surged following his byelection victory. Burnham and his team have spent the last few days enlisting the support of MPs and ministers as he prepares to challenge Keir Starmer in the coming weeks. After his triumph in the Makerfield byelection, where he comfortably saw off Reform UK, Burnham’s team were hoping for 200 nominations, about half of the parliamentary party. However, one minister said that figure was now “in the dust,” while another said it was “logical” that the number of backers would be closer to 300, which could complicate a challenge by former health secretary Wes Streeting. The former Greater Manchester mayor is hoping to have enough support to dislodge Starmer without a lengthy leadership contest. However, an uncontested takeover is not favoured by all MPs, some of whom want Burnham to face scrutiny of his ideas. Streeting and Burnham are expected to speak this weekend, but sources close to Streeting insisted he also had the numbers to challenge Starmer and remained determined to do so, though they added Streeting would not trigger a contest this weekend to allow the prime minister to reflect on his position.
What’s reported
Allies of Andy Burnham are increasingly confident of a coronation-style transfer of power after a surge in MP backers following his byelection victory.
Burnham’s team hoped for 200 nominations, but one minister said that figure was now “in the dust,” and another said backers could be closer to 300.
Burnham secured a majority of 9,000 in Thursday’s Makerfield poll, little more than a month after the constituency largely backed Reform in local elections.
Labour party rules require potential leadership candidates to secure nominations from at least 20% of the parliamentary party (81 of 403 MPs) to force a contest.
Starmer, as leader, does not have to meet these requirements and would be on the ballot automatically unless he chose to stand down; he has said he will fight any potential contest.
Previously loyal cabinet ministers warned Starmer on Friday that he faced the indignity of being forced out by damaging resignations if he did not set a departure timetable.
Jess Phillips, who resigned as safeguarding minister last month, said Burnham should still face the “rigour of at least some manner of contests.”
A close ally of Streeting said the priority for MPs was ensuring Starmer understood he could not continue as leader.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor and new Makerfield MP
Keir Starmer, prime minister and Labour leader
Wes Streeting, former health secretary
Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK
Sources: The Guardian
