PM sends Burnham and Labour warning over leadership contest
BBC News 2026-06-17 07:36:38
Context: Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has issued a warning to Andy Burnham and the Labour Party against launching an immediate leadership contest if Burnham wins the upcoming by-election in Makerfield. Burnham, currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is expected to resign his mayoral position if he wins the by-election, triggering another election for the mayoralty. The Prime Minister's comments come amid speculation that Burnham may challenge him for the Labour leadership.
Key Facts
- Sir Keir Starmer warned Andy Burnham that launching an immediate leadership challenge would be a "bad thing" for the country, and instead urged him to focus on the election for a new Greater Manchester mayor.
- If Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, he will have to resign as Manchester mayor, with a by-election to replace him expected by 6 August.
- The Prime Minister indicated that he would offer Burnham a cabinet job if he wins in Makerfield, stating "I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government."
- Labour MP Wes Streeting said he is prepared to trigger a leadership contest as soon as next week, but delayed making a challenge until after the Makerfield by-election to give Burnham a chance to take part.
- Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of focusing on the Manchester mayoral by-election, stating "we're all going to have to focus on that" rather than Westminster talk of potential leadership challenges.