Starmer warns Burnham against immediate leadership bid if elected to Parliament

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned Andy Burnham against launching an immediate challenge to his leadership should Burnham win the Makerfield by-election on Thursday. Speaking from the G7 summit, Starmer urged both Burnham and the Labour Party to prioritize the subsequent Greater Manchester mayoral election, which would be triggered if Burnham vacates his current post. Starmer described a leadership contest as a "bad thing" for the country and reaffirmed his intention to fight any challenge.

Starmer offered a carrot alongside the stick, indicating he would appoint Burnham to a cabinet position if he wins the by-election. "I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government," Starmer told reporters. He emphasized the importance of the Manchester mayoral race, noting that the party would "have to pull our sleeves up to make sure that there is another Labour victory," warning of potential gains for Reform UK despite Burnham's overwhelming 2024 victory in that contest.

The warning comes as Labour MP Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary last month, has signalled his readiness to trigger a leadership contest if Starmer does not step aside voluntarily. Streeting stated he deliberately delayed any challenge until after the Makerfield by-election to give Burnham the opportunity to participate. "If not we can't carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis and there will need to be a contest and I would be prepared to do that," Streeting told BBC's Newsnight.

Starmer's leadership has faced recent strain, including resignations last week by Defence Secretary John Healey and Defence Minister Al Carns over funding disputes. The chief of the defence staff subsequently warned that the armed forces would need to "dial back" training and operations without increased funding. When asked whether ministers would be required to resign if backing a rival in a leadership contest, Starmer declined to address hypotheticals.

Burnham's supporters argue that the importance of the Manchester mayoralty actually strengthens the case for his eventual ascent to the top job. Starmer reflected on his premiership, describing it as "the privilege of my life" and emphasizing his commitment to public service, while maintaining that he intends to defend his position against any challenge.