Key facts
- Andy Burnham's campaign is actively trying to prevent ministers from resigning to avoid governmental chaos.
- The campaign fears a rapid collapse of Keir Starmer's administration would cause further instability.
- Burnham's team prefers a managed transition and does not plan an immediate leadership challenge after the Makerfield byelection.
- Some ministers are reportedly eager to resign, potentially pressuring Starmer to step down.
- Starmer loyalists are strategizing a fightback, with former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney circulating a memo.
Andy Burnham's campaign team is reportedly working to dissuade ministers from resigning in the immediate aftermath of the Makerfield byelection, aiming to prevent governmental chaos and instability. The Guardian revealed that Burnham's allies are concerned about a "kamikaze approach" by some ministers who are "trigger happy" to quit, which could destabilize Keir Starmer's administration further.
Senior figures in Burnham's campaign believe Starmer should be given time to manage his departure and are not planning an immediate leadership challenge. They advocate for a "managed transition" to keep the government on track, emphasizing that a "bloodless" handover is desired. However, some Labour backbenchers remain skeptical of Burnham's preparedness for leadership, citing concerns about his policy depth, particularly in foreign policy and defense.
Despite Starmer's insistence on fighting any challenge and his allies discussing strategies to create obstacles for Burnham, close allies of the Labour mayor warn that prolonged resistance could force Burnham's hand. Starmer himself has indicated he expects to speak with Burnham after the weekend. Meanwhile, reports suggest that some cabinet ministers have advised Starmer to proactively sack any ministers who express a loss of confidence, though others are wary of such a move due to the need for government stability.