Andy Burnham says he would enter Labour leadership contest against Starmer if he wins crucial by-elections

Andy Burnham, a member of the Labour Party, said on Thursday that he would seek to enter any leadership contest within the party, going head-to-head with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.  Burnham said that he would start with his bid should he win the Makerfield by-election, which is scheduled to take place on June 18.

The mayor of Greater Manchester revealed his ambition as he appeared alongside four other candidates during a BBC Question Time special in the constituency. During the session, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon said there was a need for a "big move away from career politicians" and warned against using Makerfield as a "stepping stone".

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It is pertinent to note that Starmer has been defying calls from some Labour MPs to step down after poor election results last month. However, there has been no formal challenge launched against him

Meanwhile, responding to Burnham's remarks, a No 10 spokesperson said: "The prime minister will not walk away from the mandate he was given just two years ago to build a stronger, fairer Britain."

The tussle within the Labour Party

It is pertinent to note that the latest by-election was called after then-Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down, a move he said was to allow Burnham to run for Parliament and potentially mount a leadership bid. The Makerfield by-election is expected to be a race between Burnham and Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor.

When the BBC asked how British politicians could restore faith and public trust in them, Burnham criticised "point-scoring before problem-solving" in Westminster before he was pressed about his own ambitions. "I can't do anything unless I'm lucky enough to get the support of people here," the Labour candidate said.

"But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence. I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running I would seek to join it, but I'd have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same," he added.

It is important to note that any challenger who wants to go against Starmer must be a member of the British Parliament. He or she should also have backing from 88 Labour Party members. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Burnham prepares for a political battle.