Andy Burnham Seeks Makerfield Seat to Challenge Starmer for Labour Leadership
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seeking Labour Party approval to contest the Makerfield by-election, a strategic move to return to Parliament and potentially challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the party leadership. Endorsed by Wes Streeting, Burnham’s bid faces significant hurdles from the surging Reform UK party in this traditionally safe Labour seat. The outcome is viewed as a critical test of Labour’s resilience and internal unity, with potential implications for the UK’s political landscape and market stability depending on whether Burnham succeeds or fails in this high-stakes gamble.
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Andy Burnham Likely to Become UK PM Uncontested as Starmer Resigns
Andy Burnham, the newly elected Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester mayor, is poised to become the UK's next prime minister without a contest, according to his allies. Keir Starmer resigned on Monday after Labour MPs signaled they did not want him to lead into the next election. Support for Burnham surged after his by-election victory, with cabinet ministers including Wes Streeting backing him. Though nominations open on July 9, Burnham is the only declared candidate. Potential opponents like Darren Jones and Al Carns lack sufficient support. Burnham backers describe a leadership contest as pointless, advocating for an orderly transition.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Andy Burnham Allies Predict Uncontested Path to Prime Ministership After Starmer Resigns
Andy Burnham, the newly elected Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester mayor, is expected to become the UK's next prime minister without a contested Labour leadership race, according to his allies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned after acknowledging the parliamentary Labour Party opposed his leadership, following Burnham's decisive by-election victory. Support for Burnham surged over the weekend, with former rival Wes Streeting and many cabinet ministers backing him. A Burnham insider stated roughly two-thirds of the Parliamentary Labour Party support him, making a contest pointless. Potential challengers like Darren Jones and Al Carns lack sufficient backing. Burnham backer Jo White called a contest a 'pointless charade' and warned of repeating the infighting of the Corbyn era. Burnham plans to outline his policies in a major speech next week.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Andy Burnham: The King in the North
The article reports on Andy Burnham's swearing-in as MP for Makerfield on June 22, 2026, following Keir Starmer's resignation as UK Prime Minister. Burnham, a long-serving Labour politician, is the frontrunner to succeed Starmer as party leader and become the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade and its first lifelong Catholic PM. The piece details Burnham's career: starting as a researcher in 1997, serving as a minister under Blair and Brown, and twice failing to win the Labour leadership (2010, 2015). It highlights his strategic 2017 shift to run for Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he won twice, arguing that Westminster neglects northern regions. This move was motivated partly by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Burnham's return to Parliament positions him as a unifying figure amid Labour's crisis and a challenger to London-centric politics.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister: The Most Important Labour Leader in a Generation
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned in favor of Andy Burnham, the popular former mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham won a by-election in Makerfield by 20 points, turning it into a national referendum on his leadership. As three-term Manchester mayor, he revitalized the city with a 'business-friendly socialism' model, including renationalizing buses and expanding light rail. Burnham plans major tax increases on capital income, inheritances, and land, while avoiding deficit spending to reassure financial markets. He aims to reduce Britain's overdependence on finance and invest in public services like the NHS, transport, and industry. His rise marks a shift from Labour's internal divisions toward a new practical progressivism.
The American ProspectAndy Burnham Sworn In as MP, Faces Playful Jibes from Opposition
Andy Burnham was formally sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield on Monday afternoon, following his decisive by-election victory last Thursday with over 55% of the vote. The ceremony, which normally would be routine, attracted heightened attention because Burnham is the sole declared candidate for the Labour leadership after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation earlier that morning. During the swearing-in, Labour MPs cheered, while opposition MPs teased him with jokes such as "Who?" and "He's not the Messiah!"—a reference to Monty Python's Life of Brian. Burnham replied with the film's line "naughty boy." Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had pledged to enter any leadership race, withdrew and endorsed Burnham. The article notes Burnham's long political career, including previous stints as an MP and Greater Manchester mayor, and his two prior failed Labour leadership bids. He is now widely expected to succeed Starmer unopposed or win any contested race, potentially becoming the UK's seventh prime minister in a decade.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Opposition MPs Tease Andy Burnham During His Swearing-In as MP Amid Leadership Speculation
Andy Burnham was sworn in as the Labour MP for Makerfield on Monday afternoon after winning a by-election with over 55% of the vote. The ceremony drew attention following Keir Starmer's resignation earlier that day, which made Burnham the leading candidate to become the next Labour leader and UK prime minister. Opposition MPs teased Burnham with jokes like 'he's not the Messiah!' and 'Rome is saved,' referencing his high political profile. Burnham, a former Greater Manchester mayor and ex-MP for Leigh, previously ran unsuccessfully for Labour leader in 2010 and 2015. He is now expected to face a potential 'coronation' if no other major candidate enters the race, as former health secretary Wes Streeting withdrew and endorsed him. Burnham appeared jubilant as he posed with Labour colleagues after nine years away from Parliament.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham for PM as 'King of the North' launches leadership bid
Wes Streeting has endorsed Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister, withdrawing from the Labour leadership race himself. Burnham, the former Manchester mayor who recently returned to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election, formally announced his bid, calling for an orderly transition following Keir Starmer's resignation. Streeting stated Burnham 'can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism' and urged the party to unite rather than exaggerate differences. Multiple senior Labour figures, including former transport secretary Louise Haigh and deputy leader Lucy Powell, backed Burnham. Streeting is widely speculated to be a candidate for Chancellor if Burnham secures the premiership. Chancellor Rachel Reeves praised Starmer's economic legacy but did not comment on the leadership contest.
City AMWes Streeting Withdraws from Labour Leadership Race, Endorses Andy Burnham
Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will not stand in the impending Labour Party leadership contest to succeed Keir Starmer, who resigned as party leader and Prime Minister. Streeting, who had previously secured backing from 81 MPs, instead endorsed Andy Burnham, citing the need for unity and avoiding 'exaggerating small differences' during the summer. He highlighted Burnham's role in the recent Makerfield by-election victory as proof that Labour can win when inclusive and united. Burnham, set to be sworn in as an MP later today, has confirmed he will enter the race. With Streeting's withdrawal, Burnham could become leader unopposed, consolidating support ahead of the contest nominations opening on July 9.
LabourListWes Streeting withdraws from Labour leadership race, endorses Andy Burnham
Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he will not stand in the upcoming Labour Party leadership contest to succeed Keir Starmer, who resigned as Prime Minister and party leader. Streeting instead endorsed Andy Burnham, citing a need for unity and change after the party's recent electoral setbacks, including a victory in the Makerfield by-election attributed to Burnham's inclusive approach. Streeting had previously been a clear candidate with backing from 81 MPs but argued that the party should avoid exaggerating small differences and focus on delivering change. Burnham, set to be sworn in as an MP, has confirmed his candidacy, and with Streeting out, he may become leader unopposed. The leadership contest nominations open on July 9.
LabourListWes Streeting Declines Labour Leadership Bid, Endorses Andy Burnham
Wes Streeting, the former UK Health Secretary, has announced he will not run for the Labour Party leadership following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, and has instead endorsed Andy Burnham. Streeting resigned from government last month in frustration over Starmer's leadership and claimed he had the backing of 81 MPs, enough to trigger a contest. However, he chose to give Burnham an opportunity to enter parliament first. Burnham won the Makerfield by-election last week and was poised to challenge Starmer before the PM resigned. In a statement on X, Streeting praised Burnham's inclusive and united approach, urging party unity to fight nationalism. The endorsement consolidates support behind Burnham as the next Labour leader and de facto prime minister, shifting the focus from internal division to a unified front ahead of a challenging political landscape.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Wes Streeting Endorses Andy Burnham for Labour Leadership, Withdraws Own Bid
Wes Streeting, former UK Health Secretary, has announced he will not run for Labour Party leader following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation. Instead, Streeting has endorsed Andy Burnham, who recently won the Makerfield by-election, to succeed Starmer. Streeting, who resigned from government last month citing frustration with Starmer's leadership, claimed he had the support of 81 MPs necessary to trigger a contest. However, he chose to step aside to allow Burnham a chance to enter parliament and compete in a 'battle for ideas.' In a statement on X, Streeting praised Burnham's by-election victory as a win for unity and hope, expressing confidence that Burnham can lead Labour against nationalism and deliver change. The development signals a consolidation of support around Burnham as Starmer's likely successor, with Streeting urging the party to unite behind him.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)UK Prime Minister Starmer Faces Possible Resignation on Monday Amid Party Rebellion
According to a report in the Labour-leaning Sunday newspaper The Observer, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering announcing his resignation on Monday, June 22, 2026, following a significant by-election defeat to his intra-party rival Andy Burnham. Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Makerfield constituency with 54.8% of the vote, a lead of over 20 points over Reform UK. Starmer has retreated to Chequers, the prime minister's country residence, for consultations over the weekend. Sources indicate he has found little support for remaining in his position, with over half of the Labour parliamentary group reportedly backing a leadership election. Potential successor candidates include Burnham and former health secretary Wes Streeting. The resignation could come ahead of the NATO summit on July 13 and the EU-UK summit on July 22, with many Labour left-wing politicians supporting Burnham as a shift away from Starmer's austerity policies.
taz.de - taz.deStarmer 'Reflecting on Political Realities' After Burnham's By-Election Victory
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a severe leadership challenge following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle stated Starmer is 'reflecting on political realities, challenges and opportunities' after having a frank conversation with him. The Observer reported that Starmer intends to set out a resignation timetable on Monday, though Starmer had previously insisted he would not walk away from a contest. Burnham, soon to leave his role as Greater Manchester mayor, is believed to have enough Labour MP backing to trigger a leadership race, which requires 81 nominations. Kyle declined to say whether he would support Starmer in a potential contest, emphasizing the government's focus on delivering for the country.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Starmer under pressure to quit after Burnham wins in Makerfield
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing renewed pressure to resign from within his own cabinet following Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham defeated Reform UK by over 9,000 votes, fueling expectations he will challenge for party leadership. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has joined Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabhana Mahmood in urging Starmer to set a departure timeline. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also reportedly made similar calls. Starmer is expected to consult family and allies over the weekend and may address the cabinet on Tuesday. Burnham is set to meet Starmer and claims to have backing from 200 MPs. Meanwhile, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also expressed interest in a leadership bid, though polling suggests he would struggle against Burnham or Starmer. Burnham has bolstered his economic team by consulting former OBR chair Richard Hughes, ex-Bank of England economist Andy Haldane, and former Treasury minister Jim O'Neill, amidst prior criticism over remarks on bond markets.
City AMStarmer faces quit calls after Burnham by-election victory in Makerfield
Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to resign after Andy Burnham's emphatic victory in the Makerfield by-election, winning over Reform UK by over 9,000 votes. Lord Falconer, a former Labour peer and justice secretary, stated Starmer has 'absolutely no authority.' Transport secretary Heidi Alexander reportedly joined other cabinet members, including Ed Miliband and Shabhana Mahmood, in urging Starmer to set a departure timetable. Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper also allegedly advised the same. Starmer insists he will fight any leadership challenge and plans to argue to cabinet that a contest would damage the party. Burnham, who becomes the new MP for Makerfield, is set to meet Starmer next week and claims to have backing from 200 MPs. He has bolstered his economic team by consulting former OBR chair Richard Hughes, ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, and former Treasury minister Jim O'Neill. Wes Streeting has also positioned himself as a potential candidate.
City AMStarmer under pressure to quit after Burnham wins Makerfield by-election
Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign as UK Prime Minister following Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. Lord Falconer, a former Labour justice secretary, declared Starmer has 'absolutely no authority' and should step aside. Senior cabinet ministers, including Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, are reportedly urging Starmer to set a departure timetable. Ed Miliband, Shabhana Mahmood, and Yvette Cooper have also reportedly called for his resignation. Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, has bolstered his economic team with former OBR chair Richard Hughes and ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane. Starmer insists he will fight any leadership challenge but is expected to consult family and allies over the weekend. Burnham warned Labour has a 'final chance to change' after his 9,231-vote victory over Reform UK.
City AMUK PM Starmer under pressure to resign after party rival Burnham enters Parliament
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign after internal party rival Andy Burnham won a by-election in the Makerfield constituency on June 19, 2026, entering Parliament and gaining the ability to force a Labour Party leadership election. Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson publicly advised Starmer it was 'over,' while Labour figures like Louise Haigh called for an orderly transition. Burnham could trigger the leadership election process as early as next week, with former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also considered a potential candidate. Starmer has publicly refused to resign, citing his 2024 electoral mandate, but reports suggest his stance is more nuanced internally. The crisis is complicated by a scheduled July 30 election for Burnham's successor as Mayor of Greater Manchester, which Labour must defend against the right-wing Reform UK party.
Nachrichten - WELTPressure mounts on UK PM Starmer to set departure timetable after Burnham's by-election win
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intensifying calls from within his own Labour Party to outline a timetable for stepping down, following Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, won with a 9,000-vote majority, boosting hopes he could revive Labour's flagging poll numbers. Multiple cabinet members, including Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, are reportedly urging Starmer to arrange an 'orderly transition' of power. Around 100 Labour MPs have publicly called for him to resign after the party's poor local election results in May. Starmer has stated he would contest any leadership challenge, warning that holding one would cause 'chaos'. However, Burnham is said to have the necessary support to trigger a contest if Starmer refuses to step aside. A YouGov poll found 44% of voters support a Burnham challenge, while public opinion on Starmer staying is divided. The situation leaves the Labour Party at a critical juncture over its future leadership.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Starmer faces mounting cabinet pressure to set departure timetable after Burnham by-election win
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from senior cabinet ministers, including Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, to set a timetable for an orderly transition of power to Andy Burnham. The pressure follows Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election, where he secured a 9,000-vote majority. Approximately 100 Labour MPs have publicly urged Starmer to step down after poor local election results in May. Starmer has refused to step aside, stating that a leadership election would send the country into chaos, but acknowledged he would stand if a contest occurs. Burnham is reported to have the necessary support among MPs (81) to trigger a formal leadership challenge. YouGov polling shows 44% of voters believe Burnham should challenge Starmer. Labour Party rules allow the incumbent leader to automatically be on the ballot in any leadership race.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Andy Burnham Wins Makersfield By-Election, Challenges Starmer and Farage
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has won the by-election in Makersfield with a surprisingly clear margin, positioning himself as a threat to both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and right-wing leader Nigel Farage. The result signals growing political momentum for Burnham, who now challenges Starmer's leadership from the left. At the same time, Burnham's success poses a problem for the right, which has grown accustomed to electoral victories. The outcome reshapes the political landscape in the UK ahead of future elections.
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