In a surprising move, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his support for fellow Labour heavyweight Andy Burnham as they gear up for the Makerfield by-election on June 18. This endorsement comes at a time when Starmer faces significant pressure from within his party, as calls for his resignation intensify following poor electoral performances.
Starmer’s Unexpected Campaign Move
On a recent visit to Essex, Starmer expressed his commitment to rallying the Labour base, stating, “I want to be part of that, of course I do.” His backing of Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, signals a strategic decision to unify the party in what has been labelled a crucial electoral battle against Reform UK’s candidate, Robert Kenyon.
Burnham’s spokesperson welcomed the support, encouraging anyone aligned with Burnham’s campaign message to join the effort. However, this gesture comes amid growing speculation about Burnham potentially challenging Starmer for the Labour leadership if he secures a seat in Parliament.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
Starmer’s leadership was thrown into disarray last week, following a wave of dissent among Labour MPs. The resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary, along with demands for Starmer to step down, marked a significant turning point. The discontent stems from a dismal electoral performance, including losses in Wales and approximately 1,500 council seats across England.
Despite the turmoil, Starmer has remained resolute, asserting that he will not “walk away” from his post. He has attempted to regain control of the narrative by focusing on a series of announcements addressing the cost of living crisis, aiming to present Labour as a viable alternative to the current government.
Diverging Messages from Burnham
While Starmer promotes Labour’s achievements, such as economic growth and reduced NHS waiting lists, Burnham seems to be taking a more critical stance. In a recent interview with BBC Radio Manchester, Burnham asserted that the nation has been “on the wrong path for 40 years.” His campaign message clearly indicates a desire for transformative change within the Labour Party, stating, “a vote for me will be a vote to change Labour.”
This divergence in messaging highlights the internal contradictions facing Labour as they approach the by-election. Burnham’s focus on systemic change contrasts with Starmer’s attempts to unify the party under a banner of recent successes.
Reform UK Intensifies Its Campaign
Adding to the drama, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is actively campaigning with Kenyon, framing the by-election as a “David versus Goliath battle.” Farage has promised to “throw the kitchen sink” at the election, emphasising the party’s commitment to addressing social housing issues in the region.
The Green Party has also entered the fray, recently announcing the need for a new candidate after Chris Kennedy stepped back for personal reasons. The party aims to highlight the potential risks posed by Reform UK’s policies and advocate for fair taxation on the wealthy.
Why it Matters
The Makerfield by-election is more than just a local contest; it is a litmus test for Labour’s unity and future direction. As Starmer and Burnham navigate their complex relationship amid rising tensions within the party, the outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of Labour in the lead-up to the next general election. With political stakes so high, all eyes will be on Makerfield come June 18.
