Starmer latest: PM will not block Burnham from by-election despite paving way for Labour leadership challenge

In his resignation letter, Mr Streeting partly blamed the “unprecedented” election results on “the unpopularity of the Government”, adding: “There are many reasons we can point out: from individual mistakes in policy such as the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance to the ‘strangers island’ talk, all of which have left the country not knowing who we are or what we really stand for.”

But a year ago he defended cutting the winter fuel allowance, arguing that the money saved was put back into the NHS and improving schools:

By political editor David Maddox:

The Scottish Labor Party did not rule out allowing Andy Burnham to become an MP in Scotland in order to oust Sir Keir Starmer.

Asked whether the mayor of Greater Manchester could stand in a by-election north of the border, Scottish Labor deputy leader and NEC member Dame Jackie Baillie said: “You’ll have to wait until after the NEC meeting on Tuesday.”

York Outer MP Luke Charters has backed Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and said Josh Simons should not be prevented from standing in elections in Makerfield following his resignation.

“Josh is an MP and father of young children, just like me,” Mr Charters wrote in a post on X on Thursday.

“He helped prove that parenting and politics can come together and remove barriers for working fathers. I wish him the best.”

“We are in a fight against right-wing populism for the heart and soul of this country. So this by-election is one we absolutely must win.”

“As a proud Northerner, I want someone running in Makerfield who can stand up against the Reformation and fight for our progressive values.

“Therefore Andy Burnham must be given the opportunity to stand up and not be hindered so we can come together and deliver the Reform package.”

This depends largely on the actions of the prime minister’s wider cabinet.

Sir Keir delved into the matter on Tuesday amid growing calls from Labor MPs for his resignation, telling his senior ministers there was no formal process to challenge a Labor leader that had not been triggered.

This is true, but without the trust of his Cabinet it would be almost impossible for him to continue governing the country.

When Boris Johnson’s authority collapsed in 2022, he tried to cling to power by replacing resigned senior ministers with loyal MPs.

But within days of the first Cabinet minister’s resignation he was forced to announce his resignation as Conservative Party leader in front of No 10.

Following Josh Simons’ resignation, members of the UK’s Reform party were emailed about the process of running for the Makerfield by-election, according to the BBC.

The party opened applications and set a deadline for applications to be submitted by Sunday.

“We are determined,” one party figures said. “It’s going to be a tight fight.”