Shock inside Labour after Makerfield result
There is growing unrest inside the Labour Party after the Makerfield by election result delivered a strong win for Andy Burnham. Some Labour MPs say the outcome has changed the mood inside the party.
Several MPs describe the current situation as a turning point for the leadership of Keir Starmer. Some believe his position is weakening, while others insist he still has control.
Supporters of Starmer argue that internal division could damage Labour’s public image. They warn that voters may react badly if the party appears focused on internal power struggles instead of governing.
Rising talk of a leadership change
Across different Labour groups, there is increasing discussion about a possible leadership contest. Some MPs believe Andy Burnham is now the most likely figure to lead the party in the future.
A number of MPs expect a quick outcome if a contest begins. They believe Burnham could gather enough backing from MPs to avoid a long internal vote. In that scenario, the process could move quickly without a full member wide contest.
This has led to talk of a possible unopposed rise, though not everyone agrees this is realistic.
Complications inside the party
One challenge is the requirement for a leadership contest to be formally triggered by enough MPs. Some figures claim they already have the needed support, while others doubt those numbers.
Another factor is the position of Wes Streeting. He recently stepped back from government duties and is said to be considering his next move. Some allies believe he may still play a role in shaping the transition debate.
At the same time, Starmer has made clear he intends to stay in place and would stand again if a contest happens. As the sitting leader, he would automatically be included on any ballot.
