Votes were being counted in the Makerfield byelection on Thursday after Keir Starmer used a Sky News interview at the G7 in Évian to offer Andy Burnham a “big role in government” – a move that highlighted the prime minister’s ironclad denial of the threat to his own leadership.
Starmer, speaking before the result was known, said Burnham would have a place in his cabinet if, as expected, the former Greater Manchester mayor wins the seat back to Westminster. But the offer was undercut by the reality that Burnham has his eyes on a much bigger role: the prime minister’s job.
“Votes being counted in Makerfield byelection where Burnham's expected win could trigger challenge to Starmer.”
“There’s no denying that Burnham does have his eyes on a big role in government,” wrote Guardian sketch writer John Crace. “Unfortunately for Starmer, the role he has in mind is the prime minister’s. To think otherwise is delusional.”
The Evening Standard confirmed that if Burnham wins Makerfield, he is expected to use his return to the Commons to launch an effort to oust Sir Keir Starmer. Labour MPs and members, Crace noted, have “overwhelmingly decided they need a better communicator” – and “the only game in town is Andy”.
Starmer, however, is not going quietly. “I’m a fighter, not a quitter,” he said in the interview, before laughing awkwardly, as if remembering that Liz Truss had said much the same thing before she fell on her sword.
The prime minister insists he will contest any leadership battle. But even his allies acknowledge that decency and good intentions – he inherited a poisoned Tory legacy, did some good things – may not be enough. “Acceptance is a step too far,” Crace wrote. “He needs to believe in a hope that isn’t there.”
As the count proceeded, the question hanging over Makerfield was not just who would win, but whether that win would accelerate the end of Starmer’s premiership. For now, he fights on – but as the G7 cameras rolled, the parallel universe he inhabits seemed more fragile than ever.