Politics latest: Starmer to offer Burnham ‘big role’ in government to avoid leadership showdown
Politics Latest: Starmer Signals Potential Role for Burnham in Cabinet to Defuse Leadership Crisis
Politics latest - The upcoming Makerfield by-election has become a pivotal moment in the Labour Party’s internal dynamics, with speculation intensifying over whether Andy Burnham will leverage his victory to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. As the polls close on Thursday, the contest—triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons—could reshape the political landscape in Britain, according to analysts. The outcome may determine the trajectory of the party’s strategy and the future of its prime minister.
Leadership Tensions Intensify
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at a potential compromise to ease mounting pressure within his party. During a recent press engagement, he stated that he aims to “secure Andy’s involvement” in the government, offering him a significant role to prevent a leadership showdown. This comment comes amid reports that Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is poised to win the by-election and could soon return to Westminster, setting the stage for a formal challenge against Starmer.
"I’m sure I’ll talk to Andy after the weekend, of course I will," Starmer remarked when asked about inviting Burnham to join his Cabinet if the latter secures a seat. His remarks suggest a willingness to accommodate Burnham’s ambitions, though the prime minister remains under scrutiny from other contenders, including Wes Streeting.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, has indicated he may launch his own leadership campaign as early as next week. Streeting has called for a clear timeline for Starmer’s departure, urging him to “step down on his own terms” rather than face a forced exit. This creates a three-way contest for the Labour leadership, with Burnham and Streeting both positioning themselves as alternatives to Starmer’s current direction.
By-Election as a Political Catalyst
The Makerfield by-election is not just a local contest; it has national implications. With polls showing a tight race between Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, the result could signal broader support for a shift in Labour’s approach. If Burnham wins, he is expected to return to parliament and formally contest the leadership, capitalizing on his victory to bolster his claim.
Starmer, however, has emphasized his commitment to the party’s “reset” strategy, which prioritizes closer ties with the European Union. During the G7 summit, he reiterated his stance, stating he would “carry on with what I was elected to do” despite internal dissent. This message aligns with his efforts to reposition Labour as a forward-thinking party, contrasting with the Brexit-driven policies of its rivals.
Defence Spending and Political Rivalry
As Starmer navigates leadership challenges, he faces another hurdle in the form of the Defence Investment Plan. A senior minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, clarified that the plan will be evaluated once it is finalized, noting that the government has already met its manifesto target of 2.5% for defence spending. This was achieved by reallocating funds from the overseas development budget, a decision that has drawn criticism from some quarters.
"We’ve already exceeded our manifesto target of 2.5% on defence, and we did that with difficult decisions," Thomas-Symonds said, adding that the plan is currently being “finalised” for presentation at the NATO summit in Turkey. His comments highlight the balancing act Starmer must perform between fiscal responsibility and maintaining party unity.
Outside the cabinet, the debate over Brexit’s legacy continues to heat up. In a speech on Wednesday, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer accused the Leave campaign of “distancing themselves from the promises they made,” framing the current government as tasked with “cleaning up their mess.” Hermer, seen as a key ally to Starmer, warned that supporters of the EU should avoid repeating the errors of the 2016 referendum, positioning them as defenders of the status quo.
Leadership Rivalry and Internal Divisions
The leadership race has exposed deep divisions within Labour. While Burnham seeks to reassert his influence by focusing on the Leave-voting constituency in Makerfield, Streeting has openly criticized Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake.” This divergence in priorities has fueled tensions, with some accusing Starmer of failing to unify the party.
Ed Milliband’s allies have sought to calm nerves, insisting that the energy secretary’s relationship with Starmer remains intact. Reports of Milliband “ghosting” the prime minister were dismissed by his close sources, who emphasized that the cabinet minister has not withdrawn from discussions over departmental cuts. The Prime Minister’s Office, however, was reportedly “blindsided” by John Healey’s resignation as defence secretary, which raised concerns about potential instability within the administration.
Broader Implications for the Party
The by-election’s result will likely determine Labour’s next steps. If Burnham wins, he could galvanize a faction of the party that favors a more progressive agenda, while a Starmer victory would solidify his control over the leadership. The contest also underscores the growing influence of Reform UK, which has emerged as a key player in the electoral landscape.
UK inflation, which has unexpectedly surged, adds another layer of complexity to the political calculus. With economic pressures mounting, Starmer’s ability to maintain support will be tested. The by-election, therefore, serves as both a referendum on his leadership and a barometer of public sentiment toward the party’s post-Brexit strategy.
As the vote approaches, the stakes for all three leaders—Starmer, Burnham, and Streeting—have never been higher. The outcome will not only influence the Labour Party’s direction but also shape the country’s political future. With the nation watching closely, the battle for control of the party has entered a decisive phase.