Andy Burnham to make bid to return to Commons as pressure mounts on Starmer

Andy Burnham is poised to make his return to the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament (MP) following the resignation of Wes Streeting as health secretary, who expressed a loss of confidence in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

The Greater Manchester mayor has announced his intention to seek selection as the Labour candidate for Makerfield after incumbent MP Josh Simons declared his plan to step down, creating an opportunity for Burnham.

Streeting’s resignation came amid calls for a broader discussion within the party regarding its future direction, though he did not position himself as a candidate for the Labour leadership.

This development follows a series of disheartening election results for Labour that have led to increased speculation concerning Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. At this juncture, no formal leadership challenge has been instigated.

Earlier on Thursday, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, perceived as a possible contender against Sir Keir, announced she had resolved her tax matters with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

In the Labour leadership race, any candidate must be an MP. With Simons’ resignation, he has indicated his belief that Burnham can initiate the necessary change the party requires.

Burnham articulated his aim to garner support for his return to Parliament, emphasizing his desire to replicate the successful changes implemented in Greater Manchester for the benefit of the entire UK, ensuring that politics serves the needs of its citizens effectively.

He stated his commitment to earn the trust of constituents in the north-west Makerfield constituency, which Labour secured in the 2024 elections with a 5,399 vote majority over Reform UK—an electoral result that has drawn attention given the challenges posed by recent council elections where Reform performed strongly.

Reform party leader Nigel Farage expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming contest, indicating that his party would fully engage in the race.

Burnham was previously prevented by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, which Labour ultimately lost to the Green Party.

According to the BBC, Sir Keir is unlikely to oppose Burnham’s bid to become the Labour candidate in Makerfield.

A close associate of Sir Keir stated, "Keir is focused on unifying the party to effectively address the challenges faced by working families."

The date of the by-election remains undisclosed, awaiting the formal proceedings initiated by the government.

Streeting's resignation

On the same day, Streeting became the first member of the cabinet to resign, attributing Labour's unfavorable election outcomes to the "unpopularity of this government."

He remarked, "Leaders take responsibility, yet it too frequently results in others bearing the consequences."

Streeting articulated the significant challenges the nation faces, which necessitate a bold vision and more substantial solutions than those currently being proposed.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised Streeting for his exemplary service as health secretary, though she expressed differing views on his resignation rationale.

While there was no clear indication of Streeting’s intention to challenge leadership, his supporters claimed he had sufficient backing from MPs to initiate a contest, a claim refuted by an ally of Sir Keir.

Labour MP Alan Gemmell, an advocate for Streeting, confirmed in an interview that Streeting had made a principled choice not to instigate a leadership contest. He asserted that discussions among MPs and unions suggest a desire for an open dialogue regarding the party's future direction and solutions to current issues.

Subsequently, Downing Street announced that James Murray would succeed Streeting as health secretary, transitioning from his role as chief secretary to the Treasury.

Rayner resolves tax affairs

Meanwhile, Angela Rayner disclosed that she had finalized her tax issues with HMRC, following an investigation settling an amount of £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty.

Rayner emphasized her exoneration from accusations of deliberately evading tax obligations.

She previously stepped down from her cabinet roles in September after acknowledging an underpayment of stamp duty related to her property in Hove valued at £800,000.

On Thursday morning, she informed the Guardian that while she did not dismiss the possibility of entering any Labour leadership race, she would refrain from instigating a contest.

She stated, "I am committed to playing my part in facilitating change because it transcends personal ambition; I understand the significant impact it can create."

Leadership challenge rules

To initiate a leadership election aimed at removing Sir Keir, an MP must secure the backing of 20% of the party's MPs to nominate a replacement.

With a total of 403 Labour MPs, support from at least 81 members would be essential for such a challenge.

Should Sir Keir opt to run, he would automatically be included on the ballot without needing to gather further support.

On Friday, Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell is expected to address the Fire Brigades' Union conference, where she will likely highlight the importance of Burnham, Streeting, and Rayner as integral members of Labour's future team.