Key facts
- Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls to set a timetable for his departure from Downing Street.
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a significant increase in Labour's vote share.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander suggested Starmer set out a timetable to leave office.
- Starmer stated he would fight any leadership challenge and not 'walk away'.
- Burnham's allies are pushing for a 'managed and orderly transition' of power.
- A challenger needs the backing of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a leadership contest.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to set a timetable for his departure from Downing Street, following a significant victory for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election. A growing number of Labour MPs and ministers are urging Starmer to announce plans for a handover of power to Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, potentially avoiding a contentious leadership contest.
Burnham's allies have called on Starmer to reflect over the weekend and listen to his cabinet, MPs, and family. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reportedly suggested Starmer set out a timetable to leave office during a conversation. However, Starmer has insisted he will fight any challenge, stating he was elected to serve and has achieved economic stability and brought immigration under control.
Starmer told Labour staff members that the party must "pull together" and avoid "chaos by turning on each other." He previously stated the party should focus on winning the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoralty contest.
The scale of Burnham's victory in Makerfield, where he increased Labour's vote share by 10% and secured a majority of over 9,000 votes, has amplified calls from his supporters for a leadership challenge. Burnham, celebrating his win, described it as an "opportunity to turn the tide" and "change British politics forever."
Burnham's return to Westminster as an MP allows him to stand for Labour leader. To trigger a contest, a challenger needs the support of 81 Labour MPs. Wes Streeting has indicated he has sufficient support, though he might step aside if momentum shifts behind Burnham. Under Labour's rules, Starmer, as the incumbent leader, does not require nominations to be on the ballot.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour for being "obsessed" with "drama," speaking from a by-election victory in Scotland.