Andy Burnham swept to victory in the Makerfield by-election with 24,927 votes – a majority of 9,231 over Reform’s Robert Kenyon – and within hours, the herd was “not just moving, it’s stampeding” against Sir Keir Starmer, Harriet Harman told Sky News. The result, which Burnham called a “turning point”, has triggered an open revolt inside the cabinet.
Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds met the prime minister face-to-face in Downing Street on Friday afternoon and discussed his bleak prospects, four people with knowledge of the conversation told Politico. Three of them said Reynolds urged Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure; the fourth disputed that characterisation. One of the four said: “If he continues to insist on digging in he will look like Comical Ali.”
“Andy Burnham’s by-election win triggers cabinet demands for Keir Starmer to set departure timetable.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander privately told the PM during his ring-round of the cabinet that he needs to set out a timetable, the i Paper understands. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband are believed to have done so in behind-closed-doors talks last month. At least one other cabinet minister has told Starmer to quit. A senior Labour figure told i: “They are moving today. Starmer will be told to go.” Another added: “There is sympathy for him but growing frustration and a feeling this cannot go on beyond Monday.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds insisted “I am loyal to the prime minister” when asked whether talk of the party “coming together” might mean under a new leader. But Burnham’s ally Louise Haigh, speaking at his victory rally in Makerfield, said: “I hope the Prime Minister takes the weekend to really reflect on the result here.” Jess Phillips was blunter: “PM knows deep down his time is up.”
Starmer has vowed he “will stand” in any leadership contest, warning that a battle would plunge “our party and our country into chaos”. He is planning further calls with cabinet over the weekend and is expected to weigh up his future. Burnham’s allies have said he will seek talks with Starmer next week in the hope of agreeing an orderly transition of power.
Wes Streeting, who has been developing a policy platform and who some believe could challenge, intends to be a candidate. But after Makerfield, the New Statesman argued that Burnham’s momentum makes him the clear frontrunner. Starmer’s supporters expect him to fight on – but the cabinet’s demands have left his premiership hanging by a thread.