Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Westminster as pressure continues to grow on Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Labour’s poor recent election results.
Burnham confirmed he will seek to become Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield constituency after Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would step aside to allow him to contest the seat.
The move comes after Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, saying he had lost confidence in Starmer’s leadership. However, Streeting did not confirm whether he plans to run in any future Labour leadership contest.
Under Labour Party rules, anyone hoping to challenge for the leadership must currently be a sitting Member of Parliament, making Burnham’s return to the Commons politically important.
Burnham said he wants to bring the changes made in Greater Manchester to the rest of the UK and promised to work hard to regain voters’ trust.
Speculation over Starmer’s future has increased after Labour’s disappointing local election performance, although no official leadership challenge has been launched so far.
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said his party would strongly contest the expected by-election in Makerfield.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also appeared in political discussions after confirming she had resolved a tax-related matter with HMRC.
Reports suggest Labour leadership will not block Burnham from standing in the by-election. The date for the contest has not yet been announced.
Source: BBC News
