Burnham confirms he would join Labour leadership race as Makerfield by-election looms

Burnham's announcement

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, used a BBC Question Time by-election special on June 5 to confirm he would run in any Labour leadership contest if he first secures the Makerfield parliamentary seat. He stopped short of triggering a challenge himself, saying he would join a race that Wes Streeting appeared to have launched. The carefully worded statement reflects Burnham's desire not to appear presumptuous before voters in the constituency.

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.

Burnham has twice before sought the Labour leadership, finishing fourth in 2010 and second to Jeremy Corbyn in 2015. His entry into the Makerfield contest came after the sitting MP, Josh Simons, stood down to allow him a route back to Westminster.

The by-election test

Voters in Makerfield go to the polls on June 18 in a by-election forced by Simons's resignation. Burnham is the Labour candidate, but faces 13 other contenders, including Reform UK's Robert Kenyon and Conservative Michael Winstanley. Two Survation polls show Burnham with a 10-point lead over Kenyon, making him the strong favourite. Burnham has emphasised he must first win the trust of local people before any Westminster ambitions.

I can't do anything unless I'm lucky enough to get the support of people here. But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level.

Winstanley told the BBC many constituents felt "like political pawns" and were resentful about the by-election being used as a career move.

Starmer's defiance

Downing Street responded firmly to Burnham's comments, insisting the prime minister would not step aside. A Number 10 spokesman said the Labour Party process for challenging a leader had not been triggered and that Keir Starmer would not walk away from his mandate. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed full loyalty to Starmer and described a leadership contest as a distraction.

There is no contest at the moment, and my view is it would be a huge distraction at this time. The prime minister has been absolutely clear: if there is a contest, he'll be in it.

Starmer's position was weakened by Labour's poor results in May's local elections, but no formal challenge has been launched. Leadership rules require a challenger to secure nominations from 81 Labour MPs.

Policy proposals emerge

Alongside his leadership ambitions, Burnham released his first major policy initiative of the by-election campaign: a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues, with many smaller independent firms taken out of the tax entirely. The plan would be funded by higher levies on large online retail warehouses and empty high street properties.

I am willing to be honest about where we have fallen short and say that my party has got this wrong in government. They have undervalued the contribution these businesses make to our livelihoods and our communities.

The proposals go beyond a Treasury plan from January for a 15% cut, and are a direct criticism of Starmer's economic record, especially after hospitality businesses warned of closures following Rachel Reeves's November budget.

What happens next

Burnham must first win on June 18 to re-enter parliament. If he succeeds, the next step would be persuading at least 80 fellow MPs to nominate him for a leadership contest that Streeting has not yet formally triggered. The timeline beyond the by-election remains uncertain, and Starmer retains the backing of key cabinet allies.