Andy Burnham says he would challenge Sir Keir Starmer for Labour leadership
Andy Burnham has said he will challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he wins the Makerfield by-election.
The Greater Manchester Mayor has previously promised a vote for him in Makerfield would be a vote to “change Labour” but has not explicitly said he would launch a bid until now.
He is widely viewed as Sir Keir’s main rival for the top job if he wins.
Appearing on the BBC’s Question Time by-election special, he said he had asked his team to help “develop a policy” but will need the backing of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
“I’m not somebody who gets ahead of myself. I can’t do anything unless I’m lucky enough to get the support of people here,” he said.
“But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence.
“I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I’d have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same.
“So that’s the only question… I’ve said to my team, let’s have a proper look at this and let’s develop a policy.”
Hitting back at Mr Burnham, Downing Street said the process for challenging the Labour leader “has not been triggered”, and Sir Keir “will not walk away”.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “With Keir Starmer’s leadership, this Labour Government is supporting people with the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists, restoring control of our borders and lifting half a million children out of poverty.
“The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hard-working people, not get distracted by Westminster debates.
“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and it has not been triggered.
“The Prime Minister will not walk away from the mandate he was given just two years ago to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”
Mr Burnham has ruled out calling a snap election if he enters Downing Street, a spokesperson said previously in response to speculation the former cabinet minister was considering such a move to give him a stronger mandate.
He is one of 14 candidates standing in the election, which was triggered when Labour’s Josh Simons stood down.
The vote is expected to be a race between Mr Burnham and Reform UK’s candidate Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor.
Mr Kenyon has faced criticism over past social media comments unearthed by several newspapers, including his stance towards Brexit and abortion.