Keir Starmer has indicated he would offer Andy Burnham a cabinet position, describing the Greater Manchester mayor as a “huge asset,” as he seeks to defuse a potential leadership challenge expected after Thursday’s Makerfield byelection.
Starmer’s Support for Burnham
Speaking from the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Starmer said he hopes Burnham wins the byelection and plays a significant role in a future Labour government. “He’s been a very successful mayor. When I came into politics, his was the team that I joined, and we work very closely together,” Starmer told reporters.
Focus on Greater Manchester Byelection
Starmer emphasized the importance of the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, calling it “one of the biggest byelections we’ve ever fought.” He urged the entire Labour party to focus on that task.
Leadership Challenge Denied
When asked if he would stand aside for Burnham or former health secretary Wes Streeting, Starmer said, “I don’t think there should be a challenge. History shows that isn’t a successful way for a government to behave. But if there is a challenge, I intend to fight.”
Streeting’s Warning
Wes Streeting has suggested he would trigger a leadership contest if Burnham wins, saying “uncertainty and paralysis” must end. He claimed to have the support of 81 Labour MPs needed to force a contest, though Burnham’s allies doubt this.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds declined to predict a challenge, stating, “I’m not Nostradamus.”
Reactions from Burnham’s Camp
Starmer’s offer of a cabinet job to Burnham drew skepticism from Burnham’s backers. One source said, “The PM clearly values his cabinet so much, he’s basically said he’s willing to get rid of one to try and save himself.” Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner also piled pressure on Starmer, telling the Daily Mirror that the Makerfield byelection must be a “line in the sand.”
