Search

‘It’s Andy or bust’: could Burnham’s return to parliament save Starmer?

Andy Burnham](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/andyburnham) return to parliament in order to succeed him before the next general election. Burnham had a busy day on Thursday, [in the week that Starmer was at war with Whitehall

Where does Starmer’s leadership stand – and who are his potential challengers?

Andy Burnham done a deal with to get back to Westminster, and would MPs support him if he did? Why has [Wes Streeting](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/wes-streeting) gone so quiet? To the frustration of many

‘No other plan comes close’: Labour MPs turn to Burnham as pressure mounts on Starmer

Burnham’s conduct. “It would allow him to build on his legacy on Iran, on Ukraine, Europe,” one supportive MP said. The plan, which is said to have the support of some cabinet ministers, would

Andy Burnham has plan to return to Westminster ‘within weeks’, allies say

Andy Burnham has a credible plan to return to Westminster “within weeks”, his allies have said, with the [Greater Manchester](https://www.theguardian.com/uk/greater-manchester) mayor expected to use a byelection fight

Unhappy Labour MPs aren't ready to oust Starmer yet

supportive MP would have to stand down. Burnham would also need the approval of Labour's ruling body, the National Executive – the composition of which could move in his favour this summer

Could Starmer bring back Rayner to steady ship – and would she get onboard?

support. Throughout this period, there has been regular speculation about a return to the frontbench, with Starmer himself [saying](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/dec/07/keir-starmer-says-hugely-talented-angela-rayner-will-return-to-cabinet) he would welcome it. He and Rayner reportedly discussed the idea when they