Sir Keir Starmer has told supporters he will stand and defend his position if a Labour leadership contest is triggered, amid growing speculation about his future following a turbulent period for the party.
Until now, the Prime Minister and his allies had maintained that he would not step aside if a challenge emerged. However, questions remained over whether he would actively contest a leadership election should one take place.
However, Sir Keir’s stance hardened this week after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham signalled that he would seek to enter any future leadership race. The Prime Minister is understood to have told supporters he would fight any challenge to his leadership.
Sir Keir reportedly believes that a leadership contest could create instability at a critical time for the country. He has also pointed to Labour’s commanding general election victory two years ago, arguing that he has a mandate which he intends to see through.
Speculation about Labour’s leadership has intensified in recent weeks, with former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham both linked to potential leadership bids. Reports have also suggested that a number of Labour MPs have urged the Prime Minister to step down.
The immediate political focus is now on the Makerfield by-election, due to take place on 18 June. Burnham must win the seat in order to be eligible to stand in a Labour leadership contest.
Sir Keir’s determination to remain in the race if challenged has increased expectations that any future contest could become a direct battle between leading figures within the party. As Labour leader, he would automatically secure a place on the ballot presented to party members.
No formal leadership challenge has yet been launched. However, speaking on the BBC’s Any Questions programme on Thursday, Burnham made clear that he would seek to enter any contest should one arise.
He said:
“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.”
Streeting has confirmed that he would enter any leadership race and has publicly encouraged voters to support Burnham in Makerfield, saying he wanted a “proper contest with the best candidates on the field”.
Pressure on the Prime Minister has grown following a difficult set of local election results last month. Labour lost control of the Welsh Senedd and suffered heavy losses in local elections across England, with nearly 1,500 councillors losing their seats.
The fallout from those results saw Streeting and several junior ministers leave the government. Meanwhile, Burnham, widely viewed as a leading contender in any future leadership contest, has focused his efforts on returning to Westminster through the forthcoming Makerfield by-election.
