Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most serious challenge to his leadership since entering Downing Street, as Andy Burnham’s expected return to Parliament threatens to reshape the battle for Labour’s future.
The Prime Minister attempted to head off a growing rebellion by praising the Greater Manchester Mayor as a “great asset” and signalling he wants Mr Burnham to play a major role in his Government.
Sir Keir said: “I want him to have a big role in government,” raising the prospect of a dramatic return for the former Cabinet minister just as speculation mounts that he could become a future Labour leader.
Mr Burnham is widely expected to win the Makerfield by-election, securing his return as an MP and reigniting speculation about a possible route back to Westminster power.
But the pressure on Sir Keir is not coming only from the Labour left. Former health secretary Wes Streeting has openly suggested he is prepared to trigger a leadership contest, claiming he has the backing of the 80 MPs needed to launch a challenge.
Streeting accused the Prime Minister of failing to listen to Labour MPs, members and his own Cabinet, arguing the party needs a change of direction.
Sir Keir insisted he would not quit and vowed to fight any challenge, warning that leadership battles could damage a government’s ability to deliver.
“I don’t think there should be a challenge,” he said. “But if there is a challenge, then I intend to fight. I’m not going to walk away from that.”
The Prime Minister is now caught between trying to bring a potential rival into the heart of Government and preventing a wider revolt among MPs who fear Labour’s political momentum is fading.
The outcome of the Makerfield contest could therefore become far more than a by-election — it could mark the opening move in a battle over who controls Labour’s future.
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