Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is reportedly facing pushback from a number of Labour MPs following suggestions that he may consider a challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Burnham’s criticism of the Labour government in recent interviews, coupled with his claims of being contacted by Labour MPs encouraging him to run, have fueled speculation.
However, a majority of Labour MPs who responded to inquiries from the BBC indicated their opposition to such a move.
Speaking to BBC North West, Sir Keir stated he would not “get drawn into commenting on the personal ambitions of the mayor.”
BBC Radio 5 Live contacted 320 of the 399 Labour MPs currently serving in Parliament for their perspectives. While many of the dozens who replied expressed dissatisfaction with the Labour government’s performance, few believed Burnham’s return would improve the party’s prospects.
One MP remarked that Burnham “seems to promote himself every time there’s a perceived crack in the wall… a bit like Japanese knotweed,” while a minister stated that “a few disgruntled MPs” comprised “the Burnham fan club,” with the remainder wanting him to “focus on his actual job in Manchester.”
Sir Keir’s leadership has recently been tested by a series of high-profile events, including the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and the departure of former US ambassador Lord Mandelson.
In the latest development, the Prime Minister’s director of communications, Steph Driver, has stepped down from her role.
Sir Keir acknowledged her departure, stating she had been “a loyal and valued member” of his team for nearly five years.
Driver is reportedly the third individual to hold the “director of communications” title to leave Downing Street in the past six months.
Indications suggest limited enthusiasm among Labour MPs for a change at the party’s helm.
Some Labour MPs who spoke with the BBC were critical of Burnham, asserting that a leadership challenge so soon after the last general election would be detrimental to the party.
One MP described removing the Prime Minister at this juncture as “madness,” while a minister characterized Burnham’s comments as “completely illogical and utterly self-indulgent.”
Others dismissed Burnham’s chances of returning to Westminster, suggesting his flirtations with a leadership bid had been unhelpful for the party during a challenging period.
Several Labour MPs have publicly voiced their opinions on Burnham.
Markus Campbell-Savours, the Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, noted that Burnham would need to secure a safe seat to return to the House of Commons.
He stated: “There are none. He won’t be in Parliament anytime soon. So if there really are colleagues who think he’s going to swoop in and save the day, they need to give their head a wobble.”
Sojan Joseph, the Labour MP for Ashford, expressed his “complete support for the prime minister and his vision for change.”
He added: “Andy Burnham is doing a very good job as mayor of Manchester and he is best placed to focus on that, rather than speculate on leadership ambitions.”
Some MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity to the BBC, expressed support for Burnham.
One veteran backbencher noted: “It’s the worst kept secret in politics that Andy would love to be back in Parliament and of course he had his eyes laser focussed on the top job.”
He added that “many Labour MPs particularly those from outside the capital see Andy Burnham as the potential saviour of their own positions come the next election.”
Another backbencher considered it “good” that Burnham had “come out with some constructive ideas,” while another suggested the Manchester mayor “offers something different.”
“He is certainly offering a vision which is severely lacking at the minute,” the MP added.
Despite the apparent lack of widespread desire for a leadership change, Labour MPs are reportedly concerned about upcoming local and national elections in Wales, Scotland, and England, as well as the rise of Reform UK in opinion polls.
One minister acknowledged the elections would be difficult and speculated that a leadership challenge before then could not be entirely ruled out.
In an interview with the BBC, Burnham stated that it was up to Labour MPs to determine whether the party required a change in leadership.
The mayor mentioned that Labour MPs “were in touch with me” to discuss the leadership and urged the government to develop a “proper plan for the country.”
He has also given interviews to The Telegraph, The Guardian, and The New Statesman, which published a detailed profile outlining his vision for the country.
To contend for the Labour leadership, Burnham would need to become an MP.
Numerous obstacles would need to be overcome should he pursue that path, including the selection process to stand for a vacant seat.
If he were to reach Parliament, Burnham would need to secure the support of 80 Labour MPs to challenge Sir Keir for the leadership.
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