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Pressure grows on Starmer to step aside for Burnham – UK politics live
TL;DR
Pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer to step aside for Andy Burnham following Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. Allies of Burnham are advocating for a swift transition to prime minister.
Key points
- Andy Burnham won a resounding majority in the Makerfield byelection
- Pressure is growing on Keir Starmer to step aside
- Burnham's allies want a quick transition to prime minister
- Starmer faces calls from ministers to avoid a leadership battle
- Burnham is expected to deliver on his campaign promises
Mentioned in this story
Andy BurnhamKeir StarmerMakerfieldLabour Party
Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield sets up a battle for Downing Street. Allies of the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor want him to be installed as prime minister as quickly and painlessly as possible, while those close to Keir Starmer want the Labour leader to fight on.
If he does become prime minister, Burnham will be expected to deliver on the “change” he promised after his win on Thursday night. But what would that look like, and what policies would his government be likely to pursue?
The Guardian’s policy editor, Kiran Stacey, explains:
Keir Starmer faces pressure from cabinet ministers and MPs to avoid a bruising leadership battle and instead set a timetable to hand power to Andy Burnham, who won a resounding majority in the Makerfield byelection.
The prime minister pledged to fight to keep his job, but ministers loyal to Starmer have urged him to set out plans to step down over the weekend.
Weakened by collapsing poll numbers and a string of local election losses, one cabinet minister – who has not previously told the prime minister to go – said Starmer’s departure was now inevitable.
Keir Starmer meets with local residents during a visit to a housing development in north London on Friday. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Reuters
A leadership challenge requires the formal backing of at least 81 Labour MPs, but, as my colleagues Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason write in their report, one MP said they believed there were about 200 Labour MPs prepared, if necessary, to sign Burnham’s nomination papers.
Jessica and Rowena wrote:
Q&A
What did Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield mean for UK politics?
Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield has intensified calls for him to become prime minister, highlighting a potential shift in Labour leadership.
Why are Labour ministers urging Keir Starmer to step down?
Labour ministers are urging Keir Starmer to step down to avoid a contentious leadership battle and facilitate a smoother transition to Andy Burnham.
What policies might Andy Burnham pursue if he becomes prime minister?
If Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, he is expected to implement the 'change' he promised during his campaign, although specific policies have yet to be detailed.
