Burnham eyes MP return to mount challenge against Starmer

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Parliament by contesting a forthcoming Labour bye-election, positioning himself as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Burnham’s bid follows the announcement by Labour MP Josh Simons, who will stand down from his Makerfield seat to facilitate Burnham’s candidacy. Sources indicate that Starmer will not block Burnham’s attempt to become the Labour candidate, pending approval from the party’s National Executive Committee next week. Burnham stated his intention to “make politics work properly for people” and suggested any leadership contest should wait until he is an MP. This development comes amid growing unrest within the Labour Party following poor local election results, which have intensified calls for Starmer to resign. The pressure on Starmer increased after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, though he did not immediately launch a leadership challenge. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who was recently cleared of wrongdoing in a tax investigation, is also seen as a potential contender for the party leadership. Despite widespread dissatisfaction, no formal leadership challenge has yet materialized, and Starmer remains on the ballot by default if he chooses to stand. Simons, a former Starmer loyalist who resigned as a minister earlier this year amid controversy, publicly called for a change in leadership as he announced his resignation. While nearly 90 Labour MPs have expressed support for Starmer’s resignation, the party remains divided over a successor, with no clear consensus on a single candidate. Burnham’s entry into the race could consolidate opposition within the party, but he has urged unity and stability during the bye-election period. The unfolding situation highlights growing factional tensions within Labour and raises questions about Starmer’s future as leader. The party’s National Executive Committee decision on Burnham’s candidacy and any subsequent leadership bids will be closely watched, as Labour seeks to regroup ahead of upcoming national challenges.