Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election.
- Burnham's victory has intensified speculation about Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party.
- A Labour leadership challenge would require the support of 81 MPs.
- The winner of a Labour leadership contest would automatically become prime minister.
- Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are considered potential challengers to Starmer.
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election has intensified speculation about Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer, with potential implications for the prime minister's position.
Labour's poor performance in recent local elections and the Scottish Parliament elections has fueled discontent towards Starmer's leadership. More than 90 Labour MPs have publicly urged Starmer to resign, though over 150 have indicated support for him or believe now is not the time for a leadership contest. Discontent had been mounting before the elections, partly due to Starmer's policy shifts and the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as British ambassador to the US, who was later sacked.
A formal leadership election would require the backing of 81 Labour MPs. If triggered, Starmer would automatically be on the ballot if he chose to contest. The winner of such a contest would become prime minister without the need for a general election. Potential challengers include Wes Streeting, who has confirmed his intention to run, and Angela Rayner, who faces scrutiny over past tax matters. Andy Burnham, a former MP and current Mayor of Greater Manchester, has now paved the way for a challenge after winning the Makerfield seat.
If Starmer were to resign, a cabinet member could serve as caretaker prime minister under Labour Party rules, pending a leadership contest. A motion of no confidence from the opposition is unlikely to succeed given Labour's majority in the House of Commons.