Andy Burnham has not completely dismissed the possibility of returning to Parliament to potentially challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Speculation surrounding the Manchester Mayor has intensified following a bold offer from a dissenting MP willing to vacate their seat.
Clive Lewis, a prominent figure on the left, expressed doubt about the Prime Minister’s ability to rebound from poor polling, particularly with a challenging Budget and local elections on the horizon.
When questioned about the proposal this morning, Mr. Burnham expressed gratitude for the support.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he emphasized his commitment to his duties as Mayor of Greater Manchester, yet he refrained from outright rejecting the notion.
When probed further about the possibility of a return, Mr. Burnham criticized the political culture at Westminster, suggesting it is part of the country’s issues.
Andy Burnham is at the centre of renewed speculation after a rebel MP dramatically offered to give up his seat
Sir Keir’s allies have been arguing there is no viable successor, with growing numbers of critics unable to unite around an alternative candidate
Left-winger Clive Lewis said he does not believe the PM can recover from dire polls, with a disastrous Budget and local elections looming
The sense of turmoil at the heart of Government has been growing after an extraordinary pre-emptive strike against the PM’s Cabinet rivals backfired.
The premier was left defending his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney when Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly attacked No10’s ‘toxic culture’ and ‘self-destruction’.
It then emerged that Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves had performed a shambolic U-turn on plans to increase income tax at the Budget, despite weeks of blatant hints.
Sir Keir’s allies have been arguing there is no viable successor, with growing numbers of critics unable to unite around an alternative candidate.
There are claims that more than 80 MPs are ready to support an effort to oust the PM – which would meet the threshold for triggering a contest.
Some ministers are now said to regard Sir Keir being replaced as ‘inevitable’.
Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham is still often touted as a successor, despite a humiliating implosion at a Labour conference after he hinted at making a run.
After maintaining his silence yesterday, Mr Burnham was unveiling plans on affordable housing this morning.
He said of Mr Lewis’s offer: ‘I appreciate the support but I couldn’t have brought forward a plan of the kind that I have brought forward today without being fully focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester.
‘And I am providing leadership on growth which is what I think the country needs, and is helpful to the country right now.
‘We’re doing this in advance of the Budget I hope to really bring to life the growth story for the government.’
Mr Burnham added: ‘I think part of the country’s problem is the political culture of Westminster which is playing out in front of us right now.
‘In Greater Manchester we’ve built a new economy and a new way of doing politics, and more of that is what the country needs.’
On BBC Breakfast Mr Burnham said he ‘wouldn’t rule out what might or might not happen in the future’. ‘I don’t know what the future might hold,’ he added.
Appearing on the BBC’s Politics Live yesterday, Mr Lewis confirmed he had spoken to Mr Burnham – but refused to say whether he knew he was ‘up for’ challenging.
Asked if he would give up his own Norwich South constituency so Mr Burnham could run, Mr Lewis said: ‘It’s a question I’ve asked myself… I’d have to consult with my wife… but if I’m going to sit here and say, country before party, party before personal ambition, then yes I have to say yes don’t I.’
Pressed that he was saying he would give up his seat for Mr Burnham, the Labour MP replied: ‘I would.’
Mr Lewis is the only MP so far to say publicly that Sir Keir should go.
Mr Streeting waded into the row yesterday saying Mr Lewis’s offer was ‘peculiar’ and could undermine his support from local constituents.
But the Labour left-winger hit back on X: ‘Of course he finds it peculiar. Self-sacrifice, hypothetical or not, is foreign to the self-serving.
‘I love my city and my constituents. But the authoritarian right is an existential threat. We need the best chance of turning this around. That’s Andy, not Wes.’
Mr Lewis branded Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) ‘self-serving’ after he criticised his offer to make way for Mr Burnham
Mr Lewis hit back after Wes Streeting waded into the row yesterday
