Andy Burnham would comfortably defeat Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest, according to a poll that will intensify speculation over the party’s future direction.
The survey of 706 Labour members found that 59pc would back Mr Burnham compared with 37pc for Sir Keir in a direct head-to-head race.
The findings are likely to deepen unease inside the Labour Party as questions continue to swirl over the Prime Minister’s authority despite remaining in Downing Street.
The poll, conducted between May 14 and 16, came shortly after Mr Burnham was cleared to seek selection for the Makerfield by-election, fuelling speculation that the Greater Manchester mayor may be preparing for a return to Westminster.
Mr Burnham has previously said he is prepared to “fight to the highest level”, comments widely interpreted by Labour figures as positioning himself for a future leadership bid.
The survey also suggested Labour members remain deeply sceptical of Wes Streeting after his resignation as health secretary.
Nearly six in 10 members said Mr Streeting was wrong to quit the Cabinet, while only a quarter believed his decision was justified.
In a direct leadership contest, Sir Keir would defeat Mr Streeting by 65pc to 15pc among Labour members, according to the poll conducted by YouGov.
The findings point to a stark divide within Labour’s emerging post-Starmer succession battle. While members appear open to replacing the Prime Minister under certain circumstances, they remain resistant to figures viewed as representing a more centrist or Blairite wing of the party.
Mr Streeting recently called for a “proper contest” to succeed Sir Keir and suggested Britain should pursue a “new special relationship” with the European Union, including the possibility of eventually rejoining the bloc.
However, the poll suggested he trails badly not only behind Sir Keir but also against several other senior Labour figures.
Mr Burnham would defeat Mr Streeting by 80pc to 10pc among party members, while Angela Rayner would beat him by 70pc to 19pc. Former Labour leader Ed Miliband also held a commanding lead over Mr Streeting.
Perhaps most troubling for Downing Street, Labour members reportedly do not believe the party can win another general election with Sir Keir remaining as leader — but do believe victory would still be possible under Mr Burnham.
The figures are likely to reignite speculation about how long Sir Keir can maintain his grip on the party if Labour’s polling position deteriorates further over the coming months.
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