Labour MP urges Burnham to launch leadership bid quickly after byelection
6 reported
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has stated that Andy Burnham should launch a leadership challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer "really quickly" if he wins the Makerfield byelection. Maskell, who was campaigning in Makerfield, said the country is "crying out for" Burnham's leadership and that he needs to be sworn in before the party looks at the leadership. She expressed optimism that Burnham could be in No 10 before the Labour conference in September, possibly sooner. However, another Labour MP, Phil Brickell, argued that Burnham's immediate priority should be ensuring Labour wins the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, which must take place by August 6. The article notes that polls suggest Burnham is on course for a relatively comfortable victory in Makerfield, aided by his profile, an anti-Reform coalition of Lib Dem and Green voters, and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain splitting the right-wing vote. Maskell described the mood in the Burnham camp as "really positive," saying people are taking down Reform posters and turning to Burnham because he is "bringing people together."
What’s reported
Labour MP Rachael Maskell said Andy Burnham should launch a leadership challenge "really quickly" if he wins the Makerfield byelection.
Maskell stated the country is "crying out for" Burnham's leadership and that he needs to be sworn in before the party looks at the leadership.
She hinted Burnham could be in No 10 before Labour conference in September, possibly sooner.
Labour MP Phil Brickell said Burnham's immediate priority should be winning the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, which must take place by August 6.
Polls suggest Burnham is on course for a relatively comfortable victory in Makerfield, aided by his profile, an anti-Reform coalition, and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain splitting the right-wing vote.
Maskell said the mood in the Burnham camp is "really positive" and that people are taking down Reform posters and turning to Burnham.
Key figures
Rachael Maskell, Labour MP
Andy Burnham, Labour candidate in Makerfield byelection and Greater Manchester mayor
Phil Brickell, Labour MP
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister and Labour leader
Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain
Sources: The Guardian
