In a surprising move, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his support for Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, set for 18 June. The Labour leader emphasised the importance of unity within the party, stating that “we all need to pull together and fight” in what he described as a pivotal contest for Labour’s future. This comes in the wake of a tumultuous week for Starmer, marked by internal dissent and poor election results.
Starmer Takes to the Campaign Trail
During a visit to Essex, Starmer confirmed his intention to canvass for the Greater Manchester mayor, despite Burnham being viewed as a potential challenger for the Labour leadership. “I want to be part of that, of course I do,” he told reporters, reinforcing the message of solidarity within the party. A spokesperson for Burnham welcomed the Prime Minister’s involvement, stating, “Anyone who wants to embrace Andy’s campaign message is welcome on the campaign.”
Starmer’s announcement comes after he faced significant backlash from within his own ranks, with numerous Labour MPs recently calling for his resignation. The political landscape for Labour has been rocky, following devastating losses in Wales and a staggering reduction of nearly 1,500 council seats in England.
A Divided Party
In light of these setbacks, the Prime Minister has attempted to regain control of the narrative with a series of announcements focused on the cost of living crisis. He asserted that Labour has “a very good story to tell,” highlighting recent improvements in economic growth, a decline in NHS waiting times, and a notable drop in net migration.
However, Burnham’s rhetoric has painted a different picture. While on BBC Radio Manchester, he claimed that the UK has been “on the wrong path for 40 years,” suggesting that a vote for him in the by-election represents a desire for meaningful change within Labour. “A vote for me will be a vote to change Labour,” he declared last week, signalling his own ambitions as the party navigates its future.
The Opposition Takes Aim
As the by-election approaches, the stakes are high. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has already thrown his weight behind candidate Robert Kenyon, framing the contest as a “David versus Goliath battle.” Farage, who has been actively campaigning, asserted that his party would “throw the kitchen sink” at this election, emphasising the need to alleviate pressures on social housing in the region.
Meanwhile, the Green Party is on the hunt for a new candidate after their initial choice, Chris Kennedy, stepped down for personal reasons. The party aims to campaign against the perceived threats posed by Reform UK, advocating for policies that ensure the wealthiest contribute their fair share.
Why it Matters
The Makerfield by-election is shaping up to be a critical indicator of Labour’s resilience and direction. With internal strife and external pressures mounting, the outcome could significantly impact Starmer’s leadership and Burnham’s potential ambitions. As both parties ramp up their campaigns, the results may not only determine the immediate political landscape but also set the tone for the future of the Labour Party in the UK.
