Starmer to Support Burnham in Makerfield By-Election
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he will campaign for potential Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham ahead of the Makerfield by-election scheduled for 18 June.
Sir Keir emphasized the need for unity within Labour, stating the party must "all pull together and fight" in the upcoming contest.
"I want to be part of that, of course I do,"
the prime minister said during a visit to Essex on Thursday.
A spokesperson for Burnham welcomed the support, adding:
"Anyone who wants to embrace Andy's campaign message is welcome on the campaign."
Labour Leadership Challenges and Recent Turmoil
Last week, Sir Keir's leadership faced significant challenges after dozens of Labour MPs called for him to resign, accompanied by the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who criticized the government's "drift." This internal dissent followed a series of poor election results, including Labour losing power in Wales and nearly 1,500 council seats across England.
Despite the pressure, Sir Keir has affirmed his commitment to remain in office, stating he will not "walk away" from Downing Street. He has also attempted to regain political momentum with a series of announcements addressing the cost of living crisis this week.
Unexpected Support Amid Leadership Rivalry
Sir Keir's decision to campaign in Makerfield is notable, as Burnham is widely anticipated to challenge him for the Labour leadership if elected as an MP.
When questioned about supporting Burnham's campaign, Sir Keir responded:
"Yes, and I've said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it's really important – that's a straight fight between Labour and Reform."
He highlighted Labour's positive message on the doorstep, referencing recent economic growth, reductions in NHS waiting lists, and a decline in UK net migration to the lowest level since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Burnham's Contrasting Message
In contrast, Burnham has conveyed a different narrative in recent interviews and speeches.
On Thursday, speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he stated:
"Britain had been on the wrong path for 40 years."
In a speech last week, Burnham declared:
"A vote for me will be a vote to change Labour."
Other Candidates and Campaigns
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has actively campaigned alongside his party's Makerfield candidate, Robert Kenyon, who finished second in the constituency during the 2024 general election.
Farage described the by-election as a "David versus Goliath battle" between Burnham and Kenyon and told that Reform UK would "throw the kitchen sink" at the contest. He also indicated the party's regional priority would be to alleviate pressure on social housing.
The Green Party of England and Wales announced it is searching for a new candidate after Chris Kennedy, initially selected, withdrew due to personal and family reasons. The party reopened candidate nominations on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the Greens stated the party would focus on:
"Expos[ing] the risk of Reform" and highlighting policies "to make the super-rich pay their fair share."
A full list of candidates standing in the by-election is available for public viewing.
