Allies of Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, have accused Downing Street of attempting to undermine his return to Westminster, deepening tensions within Labour as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his leadership.
The claims emerged as Burnham moved closer to contesting the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, a contest widely viewed as a decisive test of whether he can return to Parliament and mount a serious bid to replace Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Supporters of the mayor believe elements within Number 10 are seeking to weaken his chances by raising concerns among Labour MPs about the coalition of support gathering behind him.
According to Burnham allies, MPs have been warned that his candidacy could pave the way for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to be readmitted to the party. Corbyn was expelled in 2024 following a prolonged dispute over antisemitism.
Concerns have also been raised that the Labour leadership may offer only limited support during the by-election campaign. While MPs could be encouraged to canvass on Burnham’s behalf, the party is reportedly considering stopping short of issuing a formal three-line whip requiring members to campaign.
According to reports, many Labour backbenchers privately acknowledge that the contest in Makerfield, once regarded as a safe Labour seat, has become increasingly difficult. Reform UK made substantial gains in the area during recent local elections, raising doubts about Labour’s ability to retain the constituency.
Political analysts and Labour insiders increasingly view the by-election as a proxy battle over the party’s future direction. Burnham, who has built a national profile as mayor of Greater Manchester, is seen by supporters as a figure capable of reconnecting Labour with working-class voters and restoring public confidence.
On the other hand, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer sought to project unity, insisting he would campaign fully for whoever is selected as Labour’s candidate.
“Can I be really clear, as I was with my staff as well, it is a fight between Labour and Reform. It’s a very important fight. I will be backing 100 per cent whoever the candidate is – they’re not quite chosen yet, but soon to be chosen – whoever the Labour candidate is. I’ll be 100 per cent behind them.”
Keir Starmer
Despite that assurance, the Prime Minister has refused to set a timetable for his departure, maintaining that he intends to continue in office.
Burnham’s Makerfield Bid Puts Starmer’s Labour Leadership on the Line
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has intensified speculation about his national ambitions after delivering a high-profile speech in Leeds that many Labour members interpreted as a clear statement of intent about the party’s future.
Although the Greater Manchester Mayor stopped short of formally declaring his interest in the leadership, he set out what he described as the “big changes” Britain needs, presenting a vision centred on economic renewal, regional investment and industrial revival.
Burnham told supporters that a vote for him in the Makerfield by-election would be a “vote to make life more affordable again to power up places to re-industrialise.”
The message appears to have struck a chord with Labour activists who have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and are looking for a more ambitious and optimistic political agenda.
Recent polling suggests Burnham has emerged as the most formidable potential challenger to the prime minister.
A YouGov survey of more than 700 Labour members found that Burnham would defeat Keir Starmer by 59 per cent to 39 per cent in a direct leadership contest.
The same poll indicated overwhelming support for Burnham over former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, with members backing the Greater Manchester mayor by 80 per cent to 10 per cent.
Despite those figures, Wes Streeting is still widely regarded as a serious contender in any future leadership race. His allies argue that dissatisfaction with Starmer extends far beyond Burnham’s candidacy and insist the leadership crisis will not be resolved simply by preventing the mayor from returning to Parliament.
Political analysts also believe Burnham would become the clear favourite if he succeeds in Makerfield.
Professor Sir John Curtice, one of Britain’s leading political commentators, stated that Burnham would be the strongest candidate to replace Starmer if he wins the by-election, noting that Streeting lacks broad support across the Labour Party.
The stakes in Makerfield extend well beyond Labour’s internal battle. Reform UK has identified the constituency as a major target and is expected to devote significant resources to the campaign, raising the prospect of a fiercely contested race.
Within government, the escalating leadership manoeuvring has prompted frustration among senior ministers. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reportedly accused MPs attempting to unseat Starmer of “scoring a spectacular own goal” and “shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Burnham’s supporters, however, maintain that his campaign is not about deepening divisions but about rebuilding Labour and restoring trust with voters who believe the party has lost its sense of purpose.
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