Is Andy Burnham's Leadership Ambition Brewing? Inside the Challenge to Starmer

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, has created a stir by indicating that he has received private calls from Labour MPs urging him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. Despite not currently being in Westminster, Burnham did not dismiss the idea of running, stating, “I stood twice to be leader of the Labour Party. And I think that tells you, doesn’t it?”

Steve Reed, the housing secretary, responded to Burnham’s comments by emphasizing that Starmer has successfully lifted the party from a tough position, leading them through a record general election victory. He criticized discussions surrounding leadership as mere ”tittle tattle”, insisting that the party’s focus should stay on addressing issues that concern the public rather than internal power plays.

With Labour’s autumn conference approaching, Burnham’s comments hint at a potential leadership bid, especially in light of recent turmoil following the departure of Angela Rayner and the firing of Peter Mandelson. Burnham described a ”climate of fear” within Number 10, revealing that many MPs had reached out to him over the summer to support his leadership aspirations.

While Burnham expresses readiness to collaborate with anyone who can bring change, he acknowledges significant barriers. To challenge Starmer, he would first need to become an MP, which would require resigning his mayoral position and winning a Westminster by-election that is not currently scheduled.

Political insiders note that Burnham’s boldness in discussing leadership aspirations is a significant risk, especially after failing to secure the leadership in previous attempts against Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn. Emma Burnell from LabourList recognizes Burnham’s successful record in Greater Manchester but warns that publicly flirting with leadership could ultimately lead to political peril if it doesn’t yield the desired results.

Moreover, Callum Anderson, a Labour MP, criticized Burnham’s economic viewpoints, arguing that leading a Labour government necessitates a commitment to fiscal discipline, directly countering Burnham’s assertion that the government must move away from bond market interests.

Allies of Burnham maintain that his comments aren’t explicitly aimed at leadership ambitions but are necessary given what they perceive as a factional leadership style in Number 10. Ultimately, Burnham’s recent interviews, including controversial proposals such as overhauling council tax and advocating tax cuts for lower earners, suggest he feels the urgency for a new approach within the party amid mounting pressure on Starmer.