UK’s Labour Party’s internal crisis has escalated dramatically as Andy Burnham announced plans to return to Parliament and Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and fuelling speculation over an imminent leadership battle.
The twin developments have plunged the governing party into one of the most turbulent periods of its time in office, with multiple senior figures now positioning themselves for a possible contest to succeed Starmer.
In a move that stunned Westminster, Josh Simons, a former ally of the prime minister and recently departed minister, mentioned that he would resign as MP for Makerfield to allow Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to contest the seat and seek a return to the House of Commons.
“I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield. I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.”
Josh Simons
Burnham quickly confirmed his intention to stand, promising to make Labour “a party you can believe in again,” a remark widely interpreted as a criticism of the uncertainty that has engulfed the party under Starmer’s leadership.
Downing Street has indicated it will not attempt to block Burnham’s return to Westminster. However, the by-election is expected to be fiercely contested.
Labour currently holds Makerfield with a majority of 5,399, but projections suggest Reform UK could mount a serious challenge.
Nigel Farage, Leader of Reform UK, welcomed the prospect of the contest, indicating, “We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it.”
The dramatic developments came only hours after Streeting formally resigned from the Cabinet, ending days of speculation over his intentions and delivering a significant blow to the prime minister.
In his resignation letter, Streeting said he had “lost confidence” in Starmer and accused the government of lacking both strategic direction and political clarity, stating, “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.”
“Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords. You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.”
Wes Streeting
Although Streeting did not formally trigger a leadership contest, he made clear that he no longer believed Starmer would lead Labour into the next general election.
Labour Civil War Erupts as Streeting Quits and Burnham Eyes Westminster Return
Streeting’s decision to step down has intensified the sense that Labour is entering a full-scale leadership struggle. Allies suggested he wanted any contest to include Burnham, believing the party would be more receptive to a broad field of candidates.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, has also re-emerged as a potential contender after announcing that HM Revenue and Customs had resolved its investigation into her tax affairs. The development removes what many had viewed as the biggest obstacle to a possible leadership bid.
However, Rayner later signalled she may support Burnham rather than enter the race herself, potentially strengthening his position as a consensus challenger.
Other figures being discussed as possible contenders include Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns.
Despite growing unrest, Starmer’s allies insisted the Prime Minister intends to remain in office.
Moreover, Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden warned against the risks of creating an unnecessary by-election, indicating, “There is a danger when we create a by-election that isn’t necessary. In the past, that has been a risky thing to do.”
He added, “Sir Keir feels a deep sense of duty to the country as prime minister. It’s been a dramatic week, but I think he can continue. He wants to continue.”
The turmoil follows calls from more than 90 Labour MPs for Starmer to step down and the resignation of five ministers in the aftermath of Labour’s disastrous local election performance.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the instability, noting that “I told Wes Streeting to do his job, but instead he has done a hit job on the prime minister. The Labour Party is now in civil war. Meanwhile, no one is running the country.”
Late on Thursday, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray was appointed as the new health secretary, filling the vacancy left by Wes Streeting.
With Burnham preparing for a Westminster comeback, Streeting openly challenging the prime minister, and Rayner once again emerging as a potential kingmaker, Labour now faces a defining battle that could reshape both the party and the future of British politics.
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