Prime Minister Keir Starmer moved quickly to ease fresh speculation about a possible leadership challenge, praising Andy Burnham for his work as mayor of Manchester. Starmer urged party members to stop briefing against one another and focus on national priorities instead.
The renewed tension follows Burnham’s refusal to definitively rule out a future leadership bid during several interviews. His noncommittal stance reignited chatter within political circles already uneasy about Labour’s polling struggles.
Speaking en route to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Starmer said he works “very closely” with Burnham and highlighted their cooperation during the response to a recent attack on a Manchester synagogue. He described Burnham’s leadership during that crisis as “really impressive.”
Starmer also criticised internal party figures for fuelling rumours, especially after claims that Health Secretary Wes Streeting was plotting a coup. The prime minister insisted such distractions undermine the government’s ability to address urgent cost-of-living challenges.
Meanwhile, Burnham continued promoting his £1bn Manchester growth plan, offering little clarity about his political future. Although he declined to rule out running for parliament, he maintained that he has not launched any leadership challenge.