Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has signalled he would enter a future Labour leadership contest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he would seek to play a role at the
highest level of British politics if elected as MP for Makerfield later this month.
Speaking during a BBC debate on Thursday with fellow candidates contesting the northern England parliamentary seat, Burnham argued that Labour requires a fundamental change in direction as the party struggles in opinion polls.
The comments come amid growing scrutiny of Starmer’s leadership. Despite some of the lowest approval ratings recorded by a British prime minister, Starmer has repeatedly insisted he intends to remain in office and lead the party into the next election.
However, speculation over potential challengers has intensified in recent weeks. Burnham is among the names being discussed alongside former health minister Wes Streeting, who resigned from the government last month in protest over the prime minister’s record.
When questioned about his leadership ambitions, Burnham sought to temper expectations, noting that his immediate focus remains the June 18 by-election in Makerfield. A two-time unsuccessful contender for the Labour leadership, he said any future plans would depend on securing the support of local voters.
“I can't do anything unless I'm lucky enough to get the support of people here in Makerfield,” Burnham said. “But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level.”
Burnham also suggested that Streeting appeared to have already begun positioning himself for a leadership challenge, although the former minister has yet to formally declare any candidacy.
“So if that is running, I would seek to join it,” Burnham said. “But I'd have to persuade members of the parliamentary Labour Party to do the same. So that's the only question.”
The remarks are likely to fuel further speculation about Labour’s future leadership as questions continue to surround the party’s direction and electoral prospects. Photo by LBJLibraryNow, Wikimedia commons.
