Key facts
- Sir Keir Starmer faces calls from within the Labour party to set a timetable for his departure.
- Andy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, increasing Labour's vote share by 10%.
- Allies of Andy Burnham are pushing for a "managed and orderly transition" of power.
- Starmer has stated he will fight any leadership challenge and has no intention of resigning.
- A challenger needs the support of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a leadership contest.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from within the Labour party to announce a timetable for his departure as leader, following Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. A number of Labour MPs and ministers are urging Starmer to plan for a handover to Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, potentially averting a divisive leadership contest.
Burnham's allies have called for Starmer to reflect and consider the views of his cabinet, MPs, and family. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reportedly suggested Starmer outline a departure plan during a conversation. However, Starmer has maintained he will contest any leadership challenge, citing his achievements in economic stability and immigration control, and has urged the party to "pull together" and avoid "chaos."
The significant margin of Burnham's win in Makerfield, which saw a 10% increase in Labour's vote share and a majority exceeding 9,000 votes, has bolstered calls for his leadership bid. Burnham described his victory as an "opportunity to turn the tide" and "change British politics forever."
Burnham's return to Westminster as an MP makes him eligible to stand for the Labour leadership. A leadership contest requires the support of 81 Labour MPs, a threshold Wes Streeting has indicated he could meet, though he might defer to Burnham. As the incumbent, Starmer does not need nominations to be on the ballot.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour's focus on internal "drama" amidst their by-election challenges.