What will ‘change’ look like if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister?
Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield sets the stage for a contest over the leadership of the UK government. Allies of the outgoing mayor are advocating for his swift and smooth installation as prime minister, while supporters of Keir Starmer urge the Labour leader to continue his tenure.
If Burnham assumes the role of prime minister, he will be expected to fulfill the promises of "change" he made following his decisive win on Thursday night. But what form would that change take, and which policies might his administration pursue?
’s policy editor, Kiran Stacey, provides an analysis:
Opening summary: Starmer under pressure to agree to a timetable to relinquish power
Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure from cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament to avoid a divisive leadership contest and instead establish a timetable for transferring power to Andy Burnham, who secured a commanding majority in the recent election.
The prime minister has vowed to fight to retain his position, but ministers loyal to Starmer have encouraged him to outline plans for stepping down over the weekend.
Weakened by declining poll numbers and a series of local election defeats, one cabinet minister—who had not previously urged the prime minister to resign—stated that Starmer’s departure is now inevitable.
A leadership challenge requires formal support from at least 81 Labour MPs. According to a report by colleagues Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason, one MP indicated that approximately 200 Labour MPs are prepared, if necessary, to sign Burnham’s nomination papers.
"Starmer called members of the cabinet on Friday afternoon to set out his determination to fight on. The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, is said by sources to be among those who expressed concerns in a call on Friday."
At least two ministers, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, have previously advised Starmer to present a timetable for his departure.
Other ministers are expected to question whether engaging in a leadership contest is prudent. Another cabinet source remarked:
"Everyone thinks it is over and everyone wants it to be a dignified, orderly exit."
Supporters of Wes Streeting, the former health secretary who has also expressed his intention to challenge Starmer, are reportedly being urged by Burnham’s allies not to initiate a competing bid and to unify the party behind a single successor.
We will continue to provide the latest political updates throughout the day.
