Henry Zeffman: What does Keir Starmer do next after Andy Burnham's Makerfield win?
BBC News 2026-06-19 14:34:47
Context: Labour Party MPs are questioning the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer after Andy Burnham's decisive win in the Makerfield by-election, with some believing his exit is imminent. The by-election result has sparked discussions about a potential leadership contest, with Burnham emerging as a strong contender to challenge Starmer. The Labour Party is facing internal conflict, with some MPs urging Starmer to step aside.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership.
- Some Labour MPs believe that Sir Keir Starmer's time as leader is coming to an end, with one describing him as "delusional" if he thinks he can continue in the role.
- Labour's rules state that as the incumbent leader, Sir Keir Starmer would automatically be placed on the ballot of party members in a leadership election, but he still needs to command the confidence of a majority of MPs to remain as prime minister.
- Andy Burnham's victory in the by-election has led some Labour MPs to speculate that he could be elected as the new leader by acclamation, without the need for a full leadership contest, if he can secure the backing of 81 MPs.
- Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that he would be a candidate in a leadership election, but his commitment to press on guarantees a ballot of Labour members, even if he doesn't need the backing of 81 MPs to stay in the contest.