Pressure grows on Starmer to step aside for Burnham – UK politics live | Politics
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What will ‘change’ look like if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister?
Kiran Stacey
Andy Burnham’s victory at Makerfield leads to a fight for Downing Street. The outgoing Greater Manchester mayor’s allies want him to be installed as prime minister as quickly and smoothly as possible, while those close to Keir Starmer want the Labor leader to continue the fight.
If she becomes prime minister, Burnham will be expected to deliver the “change” she promised after her victory on Thursday night. So what will this look like and what are the policies his government is likely to pursue?
Politics editor of The Guardian, Kiran Stacey, explains:
Opening summary: Starmer under pressure to agree timetable to relinquish power
Keir Starmer Faces pressure from cabinet ministers and MPs Establishing a timeline to avoid a bruising leadership battle and instead hand over power to Andy Burnham, Winner of a huge majority in the Makerfield by-election.
PM vows to fight to keep his job but ministers loyal to Starmer encourage him Determining plans to resign over the weekend.
A cabinet minister who had not previously told the prime minister to leave said he was weakened by collapsing poll figures and a series of local election losses Starmer’s departure was now inevitable.
The leadership challenge requires the formal support of at least 81 Labor MPs, but as my colleagues Jessica Elgot And Rowena Mason A member of parliament writing in their report said they believed it existed. Nearly 200 Labor MPs were prepared to sign Burnham’s nomination papers if necessary.
Jessica and Rowena wrote:
Starmer called cabinet members on Friday afternoon to express his determination to continue the fight. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander was among those who voiced concerns in a phone call Friday, sources said.
At least two ministers, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, have previously suggested Starmer should set a timetable for his departure.
Other ministers are expected to press Starmer on whether it would be wise to enter the leadership race. Another cabinet source said: “Everyone thinks this is over and everyone wants this to be a dignified, orderly exit.”
Supporters Wes Streeting, Former health secretary who says he also intends to challenge Starmer is encouraged by Burnham allies not to embark on a rival bid and to ensure that the party unites behind a single successor.
Read the full report here:
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