Who are Andy Burnham’s key allies in Westminster?

Andy Burnham has won the contest to become the next MP for Makerfield in a high-stakes by-election that could pave the way for a battle for the future of the Labor Party.

The new member of Parliament is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer soon, demonstrating his clear ambitions over the past year.

Mr Burnham is no stranger to the halls of Westminster; He served as a Labor MP from 2001 to 2017 and has held various ministerial positions, including health minister.

On the campaign trail last month, Makerfield said he wanted to “change the Labor Party”, laying out his plans as well as his vision for Britain.

Speaking to the constituents before the vote, he said he would take the “fight as high as I can possibly take it”.

The Prime Minister said on Wednesday he was willing to offer Mr Burnham a “big” job in government if he won the election. The new MP’s allies said he would not be interested in taking the job, potentially the latest sign of his ambition for the top job.

Sir Keir has indicated he has no intention of stepping down as prime minister, which would trigger a leadership election, and has vowed to tackle any challenges that may arise.

For this to happen, at least 81 Labor Party MPs (20 percent of parliament members) must support a single opponent to oppose him.

Here are MPs who are understood to be Mr Burnham’s allies and who could support his potential leadership bid:

Louise Haigh

Former transport minister Louise Haigh is a leading member of Labour’s parliamentary Tribune group, which was re-formed at the beginning of the year. This is a group of MPs considered to be on the ‘soft left’ of the party and aims to have 100 members join the group.

Being affiliated with the group doesn’t necessarily mean supporting Mr. Burnham. But this year, several prominent members have made political interventions that signal dissatisfaction with the direction of the current government.

MPs including Ms Haigh, Debbie Abrahams, Beccy Cooper, Vicky Foxcroft, Justin Madders, Sarah Owen and Yuan Yang wrote in January. Workers List Although the government has made significant progress, “we have not made clear who we represent.”

“We must approach the economy differently. We must challenge the failing status quo. We must change the way it works once and for all,” the group added.

Lucy Powell

Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell did not speak out against Sir Keir during Mr Burnham’s Makerfield campaign. But his fellow Manchester MP is understood to be an ally of his and said the party should “take advantage” of Mr Burnham following his defeat in Gorton and Denton in February.

Ed Miliband

Energy Minister and former Labor leader Ed Miliband is another political ally of Mr Burnham. The Manchester MP is understood to be considering entering any future leadership contests until it is clear he will run.

Josh Simons

Mr Simons surprised Westminster by announcing he was stepping down from his Makerfield seat and ministerial post to allow Mr Burnham to stand for parliament. Announcing his decision, he said: “I stand aside so Andy Burnham can return home, fight to re-enter Parliament and, if elected, usher in the change our country is crying out for.”

He was previously seen as an ally of Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood.

Heidi Alexander

Like other members of Sir Keir’s government, transport minister Heidi Alexander did not vocally support Mr Burnham. But as a political ally, he is expected to support him in the event of a leadership contest.

Anneliese Midgley

The Knowsley MP worked as a “political lead” on Mr Burnham’s campaign. He is a former senior union official who previously worked as Unite’s political director.

Miatta Fahnbulleh

Former communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh became the first person to resign from Sir Keir’s government in May following Labour’s disastrous local election results. He called on the Prime Minister to set a timetable for his departure and has since been understood to have helped Mr Burnham work on the policy.

Clive Lewis

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis has been one of Mr Burnham’s most vocal supporters in Westminster, offering to give up his seat as early as November last year to pave the way for the former mayor to power. Speaking in May, Mr Lewis told Channel 4: “We have to be honest, Andy Burnham is not coming to parliament to serve in someone else’s parliament or to take a backbencher; he is coming back to be prime minister.”