How Rayner, Streeting and Burnham weakened PM in 12 hours of political drama
In just 12 hours, Labour leaders Burnham, Streeting, and Rayner took actions that weakened the Prime Minister's position.
BBC News1 min read
Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election
TL;DR
Andy Burnham has been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate in the Makerfield by-election, potentially paving his way back to Westminster. This follows a previous block by Labour's National Executive Committee on his candidacy earlier this year.
Key points
- Andy Burnham cleared to seek Labour candidacy in by-election
- Previous attempt to run was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee
- Makerfield constituency became vacant after Josh Simons' resignation
- Burnham could challenge Sir Keir Starmer for prime minister role
Mentioned in this story
Andy BurnhamSir Keir StarmerJosh SimonsMakerfieldLabour PartyNational Executive Committee
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate in a by-election which could pave the way for him to return to Westminster.
The mayor has been given the go-ahead by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, which blocked his previous attempt to stand in a by-election in January.
If he is selected as the candidate in Makerfield, in the North West of England, and goes on to win, Burnham is widely expected to try to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.
The prime minister is continuing to resist calls to stand down and set a timetable for his departure and is expected to fight any challenge from Burnham or other likely contenders.
The Makerfield constituency became vacant on Thursday, when Labour MP Josh Simons said he would resign to make way for Burnham.
The BBC understands the by-election is likely to take place on 18 June.
On Friday, the prime minister was in a police control centre in London but did not take questions from the media.
Steve Reed, the housing secretary and an ally of the PM, said: "It's been a very difficult week but we need to take a breath now, take this weekend to reflect on what's going on, and come back next week and focus on the country we were elected to serve."
Events have calmed down after a frenetic week of political activity which has seen the prime minister defy calls to step down, following his party's disastrous election results.
Nearly 90 Labour MPs have urged Sir Keir to go and five ministers have resigned but a leadership race cannot be triggered until someone, with the backing of 81 Labour MPs, formally challenges the prime minister.
Under Labour Party rules, Burnham is unable to join a leadership contest unless he becomes an MP.
Announcing his decision to apply to stand in Makerfield, Burnham said he wanted to "bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people".
He added that he would "not take a single vote for granted".
Applications to enter the process to become Labour's candidate close on Monday 18 May and a selection meeting will take place on 21 May.
Traditionally, Makerfield has been a safe Labour seat, but more recently has been leaning towards Reform UK and, if selected, it could prove a tricky race for Burnham to win.
Wes Streeting has been seen as a potential leadership candidate and speculation that he would launch a challenge mounted on Thursday when he resigned as health secretary.
Streeting called for a broad debate about what comes next but did not say he would run for leader.
His allies say he has the support of the 81 Labour MPs needed to enter a race.
In a post on social media, Streeting said he welcomed Burnham returning to Parliament, saying: "We need our best players on the pitch."
Q&A
Why was Andy Burnham previously blocked from running in a by-election?
Andy Burnham was blocked from running in a by-election earlier this year by Labour's National Executive Committee.
What does Burnham's candidacy in the Makerfield by-election mean for his political future?
If selected and elected, Burnham could position himself to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.
Who resigned to make way for Burnham in the Makerfield constituency?
Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to make way for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield constituency.
What is the significance of the Makerfield by-election for the Labour Party?
The Makerfield by-election is significant as it could influence the leadership dynamics within the Labour Party and the potential succession of the prime minister.
