Burnham team asks ministers to delay resignations to avoid government chaos
16 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a Guardian report, Andy Burnham’s campaign has convinced ministers not to resign this weekend to prevent Keir Starmer’s government from descending into chaos after the Makerfield byelection. Burnham’s team is concerned that a rapid collapse of Starmer’s administration would cause further instability for the country. Senior campaign figures believe Starmer should be given time to set out a timetable for his departure, with Burnham not planning to announce any challenge immediately after the result. Some ministers have already offered to quit, and Burnham allies said several below cabinet level could resign in the coming days to pressure Starmer. A senior campaign figure said they are trying to hold back resignations to avoid a “Boris Johnson-style collapse.” Starmer has insisted he will fight any challenge, though some of his closest allies predict the leadership crisis may reach a tipping point where he has no option but to stand down.
What’s reported
Burnham’s campaign has talked ministers out of resigning as early as this weekend.
Burnham is not planning to announce a challenge immediately after the Makerfield result.
Some ministers have proactively offered to quit, with several below cabinet level potentially resigning.
A senior campaign figure said they are trying to avoid a “Boris Johnson-style collapse.”
Starmer has insisted he will fight any challenge, believing he has a duty to the country.
Starmer’s allies have discussed a “100m hurdles” strategy to throw obstacles in Burnham’s way.
Burnham met Wes Streeting in secret in Makerfield on Monday; aides denied a Granita-style pact.
Burnham’s camp said if Starmer digs in, they will force him out.
Cabinet ministers Steve Reed and Darren Jones have counselled Starmer to sack any cabinet ministers who tell him to resign.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband and culture secretary Lisa Nandy are on resignation watch, according to No 10 insiders.
Burnham’s camp denied any MPs have been offered jobs, though some conversations are believed to have happened.
Starmer loyalists believe Burnham needs an “oh fuck” moment when the result drops to prove he can beat Reform.
Many Labour backbenchers remain sceptical about Burnham, with one saying he is “totally underprepared.”
Starmer appears determined to fight on, arguing he won a big election mandate.
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff, has written a memo circulated around No 10 staff.
Labour MPs who want Starmer to survive are dismayed he has not addressed the parliamentary Labour party since the local elections.
Open questions
Whether Starmer will ultimately agree to a handover of power or fight a leadership contest.
The exact outcome of the Makerfield byelection and its impact on the leadership crisis.
Whether Burnham has the necessary support among Labour MPs to become leader.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Labour mayor and potential leadership challenger
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Wes Streeting, putative leadership rival
Steve Reed, cabinet minister
Darren Jones, cabinet minister
Ed Miliband, energy secretary
Lisa Nandy, culture secretary
Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff
Sources: The Guardian
