Andy Burnham’s supporters are intensifying pressure on Labour’s ruling body to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to vie for party leadership as Keir Starmer faces escalating demands to step down. The debate over who should succeed Starmer has ignited fierce opposition to what many describe as a potential quick “coronation” of Wes Streeting, Labour’s shadow health secretary.
The Leadership Battle: Burnham’s Bid Faces Obstacles
As Labour grapples with internal turmoil following disappointing local and devolved election results, Burnham’s allies have urged the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) to guarantee the mayor can stand in a parliamentary by-election, a necessary step toward challenging Starmer. Burnham, a prominent figure with deep roots in Greater Manchester politics, is viewed by his supporters as a unifying alternative who could revitalize the party’s fortunes.
However, the path to Westminster for Burnham encountered a significant setback when Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston, declined to vacate her seat to facilitate a by-election. Rimmer publicly declared she had not spoken to Burnham in years and emphasized her commitment to her constituents and opposition to triggering a chaotic leadership contest.
Rimmer, 78, who has served as an MP since 2015, dismissed rumors that she would step aside for Burnham, stating: “I’m not planning to stand down for anybody.” She also voiced concern that a leadership upheaval could mirror Conservative party disarray and distract Labour from pressing national issues.
Despite these denials, Burnham’s team maintains there have been recent communications between the two, a claim Rimmer firmly refutes. The local political landscape complicates Burnham’s ambitions; while St Helens is near his former parliamentary seat of Leigh, and locals acknowledge his name recognition, securing support remains uncertain.
Why the Stakes Are So High for Labour
The push for new leadership intensifies amid growing dissatisfaction with Starmer’s stewardship following Labour’s heavy losses in the May local elections. In Greater Manchester alone, Labour surrendered 108 council seats to Reform UK, a party capitalizing on Brexit-era discontent in once-solid Labour strongholds.
St Helens witnessed a dramatic political shift as Reform UK ended Labour’s 16-year dominance by capturing 34 of 48 council seats. This electoral upheaval underscores the urgency for Labour to reassess its leadership and strategies ahead of the next general election, which must occur by summer 2029.
More than 80 Labour MPs, many aligned with Burnham, have publicly called for Starmer’s resignation and urged an “orderly transition” that would allow Burnham to re-enter parliament and contest the leadership. Neal Lawson, director of the cross-party campaign group Compass and a close Burnham ally, emphasized that only a small faction within the NEC currently blocks Burnham’s path to candidacy.
Lawson argued for an immediate NEC statement assuring that Burnham could stand in any parliamentary vacancy, giving local members the power to choose their candidate. This transparency, he asserts, is vital to restoring party unity and credibility.
Concerns Over a ‘Coronation’ and What’s Next
Burnham’s supporters warn against a swift, predetermined transition to Wes Streeting, fearing it would alienate voters and perpetuate internal party divisions. One close ally expressed frustration at what they perceive as Streeting’s maneuvers to expedite his succession, sidelining Burnham in the process.
“We can’t afford a coronation from Keir to Wes or whatever – that’s not going to cut it with the country,” the ally said. The complexities of MPs potentially stepping aside to create a by-election remain unresolved, with ongoing efforts by Burnham’s backers to navigate this political maze.
Meanwhile, Labour’s NEC members indicate flexibility depending on how Starmer’s support evolves. If Starmer’s authority wanes significantly, the NEC might reconsider its stance on by-elections and candidacies, potentially opening the door for Burnham’s parliamentary return.
Burnham’s team remains cautiously optimistic that recent electoral setbacks will galvanize party members to focus on leadership renewal and electoral strategy. However, they acknowledge the risks involved, given Labour’s recent “shellacking” at the polls and the shifting political landscape.
Professor Tim Bale of Queen Mary University of London highlights the magnitude of the potential by-election should Burnham resign as mayor and seek a parliamentary seat. Such a contest would be unprecedented, involving the electorate of a combined authority of about two million people.
Despite Labour’s current national unpopularity, Bale believes Burnham’s candidacy could resonate widely as the figure capable of uniting disaffected voters and challenging Starmer’s leadership effectively.
What This Means for Labour’s Future
The unfolding leadership crisis within Labour underscores the party’s urgent need to reconcile internal divisions and present a compelling alternative to the Conservatives. Burnham’s supporters are mobilizing to ensure the leadership contest is open and fair, resisting any attempt to pre-ordain Starmer’s successor.
The debate over Burnham’s ability to contest a by-election and the broader leadership question will significantly shape Labour’s strategy ahead of the next general election. How the NEC navigates these challenges, and whether Starmer remains in office, will influence the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects in the coming years.
For Labour members and supporters watching closely, the coming weeks will be critical. The party stands at a crossroads: embrace a democratic contest that could rejuvenate its ranks or risk further fragmentation amid growing political uncertainty.
