Pressure is mounting on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to outline a departure timetable after Andy Burnham’s significant win in the Makerfield by-election. The result has emboldened calls from various Labour MPs for a leadership transition, with many suggesting a smooth handover to Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, rather than a protracted contest. Starmer, however, has reiterated his intention to remain in office, vowing to resist any challenges.
A Resounding Victory for Burnham
Burnham’s overwhelming victory, where he boosted Labour’s vote share by 10% and defeated his nearest rival by over 9,000 votes, has intensified the conversation around leadership within the party. Allies of Burnham are urging Starmer to reflect over the weekend, while Burnham and fellow potential candidate Wes Streeting have opted to refrain from media engagements, potentially to allow the current leader time to reconsider his position.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have both reportedly advised Starmer to announce a timetable for his exit, indicating dissatisfaction among some cabinet members. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended her support following the by-election outcome, suggesting a divided cabinet on the issue of Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer’s Stance
In response to inquiries about a potential exit timetable, Starmer has maintained that he was elected with a mandate and still has significant work to accomplish. He pointed to achievements in economic stability and immigration control, asserting his readiness to contest any leadership challenge. In a call to Labour staff, he emphasised the need for unity, cautioning against internal conflict that could jeopardise the party’s prospects.
Starmer’s leadership is facing increased scrutiny, particularly as the party prepares for the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral election on 30 July, a contest now vacated by Burnham’s ascent to Parliament.
The Path Forward for Burnham and Potential Rivals
As the new MP for Makerfield, Burnham is positioned to launch a leadership bid, needing the backing of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a contest—an objective he is expected to achieve with relative ease. Streeting has also claimed sufficient support to enter the race, although he may withdraw should Burnham gain overwhelming momentum.
Labour’s rules afford Starmer an advantage: as the incumbent leader, he does not require MP nominations to appear on the ballot. This dynamic adds complexity to the leadership landscape, with various factions within the party adopting differing strategies for the future.
Voices from Within
Many Labour MPs are publicly advocating for a leadership change. Jess Phillips, a former minister, stated that Burnham has “earned the right” to present his case to MPs, emphasising that any prospective leader should be rigorously tested. Conversely, some MPs, including Justice Minister Catherine Atkinson, are rallying behind Starmer, praising his determination in the face of adversity.
However, dissent is growing. Labour MP Peter Swallow, who previously supported Starmer, has shifted his stance, calling for the Prime Minister to resign, while others like Jo White expressed that it is time for a serious reflection on Starmer’s leadership.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this internal struggle could shape Labour’s trajectory as it seeks to regain public trust and electoral viability. Burnham’s victory may signal a shift in the party’s direction, while Starmer’s refusal to step down could lead to further factionalism and instability. As Labour grapples with its identity and leadership, the decisions made in the coming days will be crucial in determining the party’s future and its ability to present a united front ahead of the next general election.
