Burnham announces he will challenge Starmer for Labour leadership if he wins Makerfield by-election

Andy Burnham used his appearance on BBC Question Time last night to announce that he will challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership should he succeed in the Makerfield by-election.

Pressed by presenter Fiona Bruce about his intentions if he wins the seat, Burnham told the audience: “I’m not somebody who gets ahead of myself. I can’t do anything unless I’m lucky enough to get the support of people here.

“But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence.

“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.”

Downing Street hit back at Burnham, with the Prime Minister insisting he will not be walking away from the mandate given to him.

A No10 spokesperson said: “With Keir Starmer’s leadership, this Labour government is supporting people with the cost of living, cutting NHS waiting lists, restoring control of our borders and lifting half a million children out of poverty.

“The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hardworking people, not get distracted by Westminster debates.

“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and it has not been triggered. The Prime Minister will not walk away from the mandate he was given just two years ago to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”