Starmer offers Burnham cabinet role, Streeting warns of leadership challenge
9 reported3 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated at the G7 summit that he wants to offer Andy Burnham a "big role" in government, as Burnham is expected to win the Makerfield byelection on June 18. Starmer said it would be wrong for Labour to hold a leadership challenge ahead of a likely election to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor, which would probably take place on July 30. Separately, former health secretary Wes Streeting told Sky News that if Starmer does not agree to a timetable for departure, "we will inevitably end up in a contest" and confirmed he expects a challenge next week. Starmer said he does not feel angry or bitter about the leadership turmoil, though his biographer reported that those around him describe "rage and anger" over perceived betrayal. The article notes that Burnham's response to Starmer's offer is not yet known, and that the Mail on Sunday reported Burnham plans to deliver a private ultimatum this weekend.
What’s reported
Starmer said at the G7 summit he wants Burnham to have a "big role" in government.
Burnham is expected to win the Makerfield byelection on June 18, according to constituency polls.
If Burnham wins, he will resign as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a byelection likely on July 30.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, is tipped as Labour's candidate for that mayoral election.
Reform UK trounced Labour in local elections in May, according to the article.
Wes Streeting told Sky News he expects a leadership challenge next week if Starmer does not set a departure timetable.
Starmer said he does not feel angry or bitter about the leadership situation.
Starmer's biographer wrote that those around him describe "rage and anger" over perceived betrayal from some cabinet members.
The Mail on Sunday reported Burnham plans to deliver a private ultimatum to Starmer this weekend.
Open questions
What timetable for departure, if any, Burnham would consider reasonable.
How Burnham will respond to Starmer's offer of a cabinet role.
Whether Burnham will win the Makerfield byelection narrowly or with a large majority.
Key figures
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor
Wes Streeting, former health secretary
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council
Beth Rigby, Sky News journalist
Cathy Newman, Sky News journalist
Victoria Derbyshire, Newsnight journalist
Tom Baldwin, Starmer's biographer
Hannah Al-Othman, The Guardian's North of England correspondent
Dan Hodges, Mail on Sunday columnist
Sources: The Guardian
