In a significant development within the Labour Party, Andy Burnham has confirmed his intention to seek approval from Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) to contest the forthcoming byelection in Makerfield. This move opens a possible route for Burnham to return to Parliament and potentially position himself as a contender for the party leadership amid increasing instability in Keir Starmer’s administration.
A Path to Power
The announcement follows the resignation of Josh Simons, the sitting MP for Makerfield, who has opted to step down, thereby triggering a byelection in a seat Labour holds with a majority of just over 5,000. This decision is pivotal, as it not only provides Burnham with a chance to re-enter Westminster but also highlights the growing discontent within Labour ranks regarding Starmer’s leadership, particularly following a series of disappointing election results.
Burnham, currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has articulated a desire for broader change, emphasising issues such as the cost of living crisis in his statement. “This is why I now seek people’s support to return to parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people,” he remarked. His allies within the party indicate that Starmer will not oppose his candidacy, a reflection of the shifting dynamics within Labour.
Starmer’s Struggles
The atmosphere within Labour has grown increasingly precarious in recent days. The resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary, amid speculation he lacked sufficient support to challenge Starmer, further underscores the turmoil. Streeting’s departure, coupled with the clearing of Angela Rayner over her tax affairs, has set the stage for an urgent re-evaluation of leadership within the party.
With approximately 100 MPs reportedly calling for Starmer’s resignation, there is a palpable sense of discontent regarding his ability to lead the party into the next election. Insiders suggest that several cabinet ministers believe a transition to Burnham could be inevitable, with one stating, “If you’ve got people from Angela to Wes saying it, then the whole party is now in the same place on this.”
The Byelection Battle
The Makerfield byelection is set to be a battleground, with Burnham’s candidacy likely to face fierce competition from Reform UK, which has positioned itself as a serious challenger. Nigel Farage has pledged to “throw absolutely everything” at the contest, recognising Burnham as a formidable opponent. While Burnham enjoyed a significant victory in the 2024 mayoral race, recent local elections saw Reform UK secure over 50% of the vote in eight wards, while Labour lagged at just 22.7%.
In a letter explaining his decision to resign, Simons expressed his belief in the need for urgent reform and stated, “I could not stand here and tell you that our politics is broken and things need to change, then stand in the way of supporting that change.” His endorsement of Burnham could galvanise support for the mayor’s return.
The Stakes for Labour
As the byelection approaches, various factions within Labour are coalescing around Burnham, with notable figures like Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband reportedly backing his leadership ambitions. Streeting, despite his recent resignation, has indicated that any leadership contest should focus on substantive ideas rather than personal rivalries, hinting at a broader support for Burnham within the party’s ranks.
Starmer’s response to these developments has been cautious. His allies suggest that Streeting’s resignation stems from a lack of requisite support for a leadership challenge, though Streeting’s camp disputes this narrative. Meanwhile, Burnham’s supporters are pushing for him to be given a clear shot at leadership, recognising that the current political landscape necessitates a strong, unifying figure at the helm.
Why it Matters
The unfolding events within the Labour Party are not merely a matter of internal politics; they represent a critical juncture for the party’s future. As Burnham seeks to navigate the complexities of a byelection and potentially assume leadership, the implications of his candidacy could redefine Labour’s trajectory in the face of rising populism and discontent among the electorate. The stakes are high, and as the party grapples with its identity, the question remains: can Labour unify under a new vision, or will it remain mired in factionalism and indecision?
