LONDON (AP) - The political landscape in Britain is currently unstable, with the government facing significant challenges. Amid this turmoil, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is viewed as a potential savior, although he is not eligible to contest for the role of Prime Minister just yet.
Burnham, 56, is seen as a leading candidate to challenge beleaguered Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the future. Starmer has been struggling with declining approval ratings and intense scrutiny over his leadership, largely attributed to the Labour Party's disappointing performance in recent U.K.-wide local elections. More than twenty percent of Labour's lawmakers in the House of Commons have called for his resignation.
To position himself as a challenger, Burnham needs to return to Parliament. His opportunity arose when Labour MP Josh Simons announced his resignation from the constituency of Makerfield, about 20 miles west of Manchester, allowing Burnham the chance to stand in a special election there. This election is expected to take place in the coming weeks and could have significant ramifications for the Labour Party's future.
Known as the “King of the North,” Burnham has a reputation for his advocacy for the northern regions of England and its working-class culture. His previous three mayoral victories since 2017 demonstrate his appeal among voters. However, Burnham has faced challenges in the past, having lost Labour leadership contests in 2010 and 2015. His political persona has evolved since those setbacks; he has moved away from traditional formal attire to adopt a more casual style that resonates better with the electorate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnham gained prominence as a vocal critic of the Conservative government's approach, particularly that of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom he accused of favoring London over the northern regions. This experience has made him a formidable communicator and figurehead within the Labour Party.
As Burnham prepares for a potential return to Parliament, he faces significant competition, particularly from the anti-immigrant Reform UK party, which has seen a rise in support, as well as the eco-populist Greens. The results of the upcoming by-election in Makerfield could be pivotal for Labour's trajectory, especially in light of the fact that all wards in the constituency were won by Reform in the recent local elections.
Burnham’s potential return hinges on securing sufficient support from Labour's parliamentary members. If successful, he could either initiate a leadership contest or join an ongoing one. Starmer, committed to continuing his leadership, would retain the right to run in any contest. Other potential candidates, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, are also positioning themselves for a showdown should Burnham succeed in Makerfield.
Streeting, having just resigned, expressed the need for a competitive leadership race and indicated he would stand if Burnham can navigate his return to Parliament. He emphasized the critical importance of the next general election for Labour, warning that they risk marginalization under Farage's leadership unless they heed the electorate’s recent signals. Streeting also hinted at the necessity for Labour to consider rejoining the European Union in the future.
Political analysts suggest that if Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, it may significantly weaken Starmer's position, possibly deterring him from standing in a leadership contest. In contrast, a defeat for Burnham could provide Starmer a renewed sense of hope against challengers like Streeting and Rayner.
Ultimately, the political dynamics within the Labour Party and the broader electoral landscape could hinge on the outcome of the Makerfield by-election, setting the stage for future leadership contests and the overall direction of the party.
