Andy Burnham ’s victory in the Makerfield by-election has paved the way for a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer , amid mounting calls for him to resign as prime minister .
Mr Burnham, who defeated Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by 9,231 votes , up from 5,399 in 2024, defied national trends to increase Labour ’s share of the vote in an area where Nigel Farage’s Reform UK made sweeping gains in last month’s local elections.
His victory has been seen by some as proof that the former Greater Manchester mayor can beat Reform, with Mr Burnham’s allies calling on the prime minister to now hand over power .
The seat was vacated by Josh Simons earlier this year to allow him the chance of returning to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir, but Labour’s struggle to beat Nigel Farage’s party meant Mr Burnham was in for a tough fight.
The dramatic victory has heaped more pressure on the prime minister’s already strained position in No 10 , after he was almost ousted following last month’s disastrous local elections.
The state of his operation was thrown into further chaos earlier this month after John Healey - once one of the prime minister’s key allies - resigned, accusing him of being “unable” to secure adequate cash to fund the government’s defence investment plan (DIP).
Here, The Independent looks at each of the potential leadership candidates, while readers can also share their thoughts:
Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham has long been seen as the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir. He has been hinting at a leadership bid for months, and could be just days away from launching an official challenge now he has won the Makerfield seat.
Popular among Labour MPs, party members and the general public, Mr Burnham has consistently placed far ahead of any other Labour figure in polls, with 47 per cent of members ranking him as their first preference for Labour leadership, compared to 31 per cent for Starmer.
During a BBC Question Time special in the seat, he finally confirmed he will challenge the prime minister if he won the seat, which he has framed as a chance to “change Labour”.
Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham (Reuters)
Last year, Mr Burnham repeatedly failed to rule out a leadership bid and has been regularly tipped as the leading candidate to take over should Sir Keir’s position as prime minister become untenable.
Mr Burnham, who was MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, was the focus of such rumours at the Labour Party conference last September, when he revealed that dozens of MPs were privately urging him to challenge the prime minister.
Wes Streeting
The former health secretary was at the centre of leadership speculation when he announced his resignation from Sir Keir’s cabinet last month.
In his statement announcing his departure, he said it is “now clear” that Sir Keir will not lead the party into the next general election.
In the centre-right of the party, Mr Streeting is a charismatic cabinet minister who is able to connect with the public.
Chatter about a potential leadership bid grew louder towards the end of last year, amid a briefing war targeting the health secretary over his perceived ambitions to succeed Sir Keir.
The former health secretary was at the centre of leadership speculation when he announced his resignation from Sir Keir’s cabinet last month (Getty)
Mr Streeting is understood to have the backing of enough Labour MPs to launch a leadership bid, having recruited more than 81 – the minimum required to trigger a leadership election.
He has previously voiced his concerns about the direction of the government, and hit out at a “toxic culture” in No 10 when the briefings against him were made public in November.
The main obstacle facing Mr Streeting is the perception among some Labour factions that he is too far to the right of the party, and the general feeling that he does not have enough backing to launch a successful bid.
Since leaving cabinet, he has unveiled his initial policy pledges, including the full restoration of Sure Start, which would be funded by a wealth tax. He also said he would delay any formal Labour leadership challenge until after Andy Burnham fought the Makerfield by-election.
Angela Rayner
Rumours about the Ashton-under-Lyne MP’s ambitions have been circling from the moment she resigned from Sir Keir’s cabinet last September, when it was revealed she had underpaid stamp duty on her Brighton flat.
But she has now been cleared of wrongdoing - potentially clearing the way for a run at the party leadership.
Once the prime minister’s number two, Rayner is popular on the soft left of the party and has been named as one of the MPs most likely to stage a coup.
In a stark warning to Sir Keir after May’s elections, she said: “Labour exists to make working people better off. That is not happening fast enough, and it needs to change, now.”
Once the prime minister’s number two, Rayner is popular on the soft left of the party and has been named as one of the MPs most li…
Read the full article at The Independent →📄Source document: John Healey's Resignation Statement→14 reports
Daily MailIndependentCenter8 hr. agoPrime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering resigning as early as Monday following intense discussions about his future over the weekend with his wife Victoria at Chequers. These discussions involved conversations with Cabinet members, Number 10 advisors, union leaders, and key Labour donors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of reported discussions without overtly favoring any side. It does not include explicit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorial commentary that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter9 hr. agoKeir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister on Monday following intense pressure from Labour MPs who want Andy Burnham to take over as leader. Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated that Starmer is considering 'political realities' and will act in the best interest of the country.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on expectations regarding Starmer's potential resignation and mentions pressure from Labour MPs without taking a stance on the situation.
Official sources cited
- government Peter Kyle, Business Secretary
iNewsIndependentCenter2 days agoThe article discusses potential impacts on mortgage rates if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister following his victory in the Makerfield by-election. Mortgage experts warn of possible short-term increases due to political uncertainty, though brokers suggest rates might decrease in the long term if Burnham provides clear fiscal policies. The piece explains how political changes indirectly influence mortgage rates through market confidence, gilt yields, and swap rates.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both potential outcomes—short-term rate increases due to uncertainty and long-term decreases if fiscal clarity is provided—without overtly favoring one perspective. It relies on expert opinions and economic principles without apparent ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- organisation Mortgage experts
- organisation Brokers
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago Andy Burnham: our next Prime Minister? – podcastAndy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection, securing his position as an MP and positioning him as a potential challenger to Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the election results and mentions Burnham's potential role without overtly favoring any political side. It does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago Starmer says he will stand in any Labour leadership contest against BurnhamPrime Minister Keir Starmer stated he would participate in a potential Labour Party leadership contest following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. Starmer emphasized the need for unity within the party and warned that a leadership contest could cause instability. Burnham, who won the byelection with 55% of the vote, described the result as a potential turning point for the north of England.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both Starmer's statement and Burnham's reaction without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both figures and does not employ biased language or selective sourcing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on their statements rather than taking a stance on谁应
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago Andy Burnham wins huge majority in Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challengeAndy Burnham won a significant majority in the Makerfield byelection, which could lead to a leadership challenge against current Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham emphasized the need for change and greater power for the north, calling the result a 'turning point.' Senior Labour figures are encouraging Starmer to either step down or allow a faster leadership contest.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about the election results and quotes Burnham and other Labour officials without overtly favoring one side. It reports on the implications of Burnham's win for Labour leadership without taking a stance on whether Starmer should resign or face a challenge.
Official sources cited
- statement Andy Burnham's Victory Speech
- organisation Labour Party Internal Discussions
The IndependentIndependentCenter2 days agoAndy Burnham's recent by-election win in Makerfield has intensified speculation about a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, especially after Labour's poor performance in recent local elections. Burnham's victory, which saw him defeat Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, has led some of his allies to call for Starmer to step down. This comes amid growing pressure on Starmer, particularly after key ally John Healey's resignation, citing concerns over funding for defense investments.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts and quotes from various figures without overtly favoring any side. It reports on events and statements objectively, providing context about the political situation without using biased language or selective sourcing.
iNewsIndependentCenter2 days ago Burnham’s Cabinet allies won’t resign… for nowSenior Cabinet ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, have stated they will not resign following Andy Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election. Burnham is expected to privately urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to outline a timeline for stepping down. Speculation remains high that Starmer could face coordinated resignations from ministers, similar to those that led to Boris Johnson's resignation in 2022. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has also confirmed she will remain in her role.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on statements made by various ministers, their positions, and the political dynamics surrounding Andy Burnham's potential rise. There is no clear ideological slant in the language used or the selection of sources.
Official sources cited
- government Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
- government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband
- government Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
Daily MailIndependentCenter2 days ago The Morning Poll: Would Andy Burnham make a better Prime Minister than Keir Starmer?The article presents a poll asking whether Andy Burnham would make a better Prime Minister than Keir Starmer. It includes user comments but does not provide specific data or analysis regarding the poll results.
Bias read (Center): The article frames a question about leadership potential without taking a stance or providing biased information. It simply presents a poll question and allows reader comments, which are noted as unmoderated and not reflecting the publication's views.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago Polls close in Makerfield byelection as Andy Burnham eyes No 10Polls have closed in several constituencies including Makerfield, where a byelection is expected to influence UK politics. Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is running for the seat with ambitions to reach 10 Downing Street. The race is closely contested between Burnham and Reform candidate Robert Kenyon, a local plumber whose campaign has faced challenges due to past social media posts and public appearances.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the byelection without overtly favoring either candidate. It mentions both candidates' backgrounds, challenges, and the significance of the race without using biased language or selective sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Josh Simons
- press release Carol Vorderman
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago Burnham brings in top economists before possible leadership runAndy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has enlisted three prominent economists—Andy Haldane, Richard Hughes, and Jim O’Neill—to advise him as he considers running for leadership of the Labour Party. This move comes ahead of a potential return to Parliament following the Makerfield byelection. Burnham aims to strengthen his economic credibility amid concerns over market reactions to a potential shift in leadership.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on Burnham's actions and the involvement of economic advisors without using biased language or selectively presenting information. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the strategic implications of a
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter3 days ago Burnham team tell ministers to delay resignations to avoid chaosAndy Burnham's campaign has intervened to prevent ministers from resigning immediately after the Makerfield byelection results, fearing it could destabilize Keir Starmer's government. Burnham's team is urging caution to avoid a rapid collapse similar to the period under Boris Johnson. Some ministers are reportedly eager to resign to pressure Starmer, but Burnham's allies are working to delay such actions. Starmer remains committed to staying in office unless forced otherwise.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—Burnham's campaign efforts to prevent resignation and Starmer's determination to stay in office—without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both camps and does not employ biased language or selective sourcing.
Daily MirrorParty-alignedLeft5 days agoJohn Healey, the former Defence Secretary, resigned from the government and criticized the Treasury for its handling of military funding. He called for increased defense spending, specifically targeting 3% of GDP by 2030, and warned that the current military spending plans fall short during a period of global instability. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer suggested there would be no increase in the defense investment plan.
Bias read (Left): The article highlights criticism of the Treasury from a former Labour minister, emphasizing calls for increased defense spending aligned with progressive policy goals. The framing underscores concerns about national security and global instability, which are typically associated with left-leaning st
Official sources cited
- government John Healey's Resignation Statement
- government Keir Starmer's Comments at G7 Summit
Daily MirrorParty-alignedLeft6 days ago Reform UK councillor QUITS as Nigel Farage's party is 'unfit to govern' with 'toxic infighting'Robbie Lammas, a former Conservative councillor who joined Reform UK, has resigned from the party after eight months, calling it 'unfit to govern' and describing internal conflicts as 'toxic.' He criticized Reform UK for being driven by grievance rather than shared values and expressed regret over leaving the Conservatives.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Reform UK negatively, using terms such as 'toxic infighting,' 'unfit to govern,' and 'driven by grievance,' which imply criticism of the party's leadership and ideology. The resigning councillor's comments are presented without counterbalance, emphasizing his disillusionment with,
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