Starmer's Leadership Crisis as Burnham Blocked from By-Election
Keir Starmer's tenure as Prime Minister is facing a severe test, with his decision to prevent Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election being branded a sign of profound weakness. According to Sacha Lord, this move underscores Starmer's fear of Burnham's popularity and signals the beginning of the end for his time in Downing Street.
A Stunning Fall from Grace
Despite securing a landslide majority in the general election, Starmer has rapidly become one of the most unpopular Prime Ministers in recent memory. Polls indicate that a staggering 74-77% of Britons have little to no trust in the Labour Party on critical issues such as the cost of living, immigration, taxation, and economic management. This decline is attributed to a series of missteps, including early scandals over donations and a controversial policy to freeze pensioners' benefits in winter.
Starmer's leadership has been marked by inconsistency, with at least 14 U-turns recorded, earning him the nickname "Captain Flip Flop." This pattern of indecision has eroded public confidence and raised questions about his ability to govern effectively.
The Burnham Factor
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, emerged as a potential candidate for the by-election after careful consideration and consultations with ministers and MPs. Polls consistently showed him as the only Labour figure capable of defeating Reform UK in the constituency. His track record in transforming Greater Manchester into an economic powerhouse, outperforming other city regions in the UK, made him a formidable contender.
Under Burnham's leadership, Greater Manchester has been hailed as the UK's Capital of Nightlife by The Sunday Times, with significant mayoral developments boosting areas like Bolton, Ashton, Stalybridge, and Oldham. The success has even prompted Downing Street to send advisers to study his methods for replication elsewhere.
A Cowardly Block
Despite Burnham's strengths, the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC), under pressure from Starmer, blocked his candidacy. This decision was seen as a desperate move by a leader terrified of Burnham's influence and northern appeal. Lucy Powell, Manchester's Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, was the sole MP to show courage in opposing the block at the NEC meeting.
Starmer's actions have been criticised as putting personal interests above party and country, with many viewing it as an unforgivable act of weakness. The aftermath saw No. 10 spreading false narratives, including claims about the cost of a mayoral election and prior notification to Burnham, which were later retracted after being exposed as lies.
Rising Tensions and Future Predictions
The block has only heightened Burnham's popularity, contrasting sharply with Starmer's declining support. With a by-election looming in three weeks and local elections on May 7th, predictions suggest Starmer is in for a significant defeat, potentially costing many Labour councillors their jobs. This could trigger a leadership contest, possibly resulting in a new Prime Minister by July.
For the Labour Party to recover and stand a chance in the next general election, a return to core values is essential, moving away from the current leadership's failures. As Sacha Lord notes, never underestimate "The King of the North" – Burnham's resilience and appeal remain strong, symbolised by Manchester United's victory over Arsenal, with Starmer in attendance, as a metaphor for northern triumph over London-centric politics.
