Starmer's Team Prepares for Potential Leadership Challenge from Andy Burnham
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's aides are strategizing for a possible leadership contest if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection and returns to Westminster. Burnham has indicated he would seek to join any Labour leadership race, though he has not explicitly committed to challenging Starmer directly. The situation reflects growing tensions within the Labour Party following poor local election results and uncertainty about Starmer's political viability.
According to Guardian sources, Starmer's closest advisers are actively war-gaming scenarios for a potential leadership contest, including plans to sack ministers who publicly support Burnham. While Starmer is described as "hellbent" on fighting any challenge, some allies acknowledge his future may ultimately be beyond his control, with one comparing the dynamic to how "when the herd moves, it moves." Burnham has stated he would participate in any leadership contest if elected to Parliament, though he has not ruled out challenging Starmer directly. Starmer's team is preparing despite skepticism, with allies arguing Burnham is unprepared and that the prime minister's momentum would survive initial scrutiny. However, Starmer presides over a divided party, with cabinet ministers having urged him to consider his future following Labour's poor local election performance.
What different sources said
Keir Starmer aides ‘war gaming’ over leadership contest with Andy Burnham
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