Burnham allies confident of No 10 ‘coronation’ after surge in backers

Allies of Andy Burnham are growing increasingly confident that he could become Labour leader without a lengthy contest, after a surge in the number of MPs backing him following his by-election win in Makerfield. Burnham’s team has spent recent days enlisting support from MPs and ministers as he prepares to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Initially, Burnham’s team hoped for 200 nominations, about half of the parliamentary party. However, one minister said that figure had already been surpassed, while another suggested it was logical to expect closer to 300 backers, which could complicate a challenge from former health secretary Wes Streeting.

Burnham, who secured a majority of 9,000 in Thursday’s Makerfield poll, comfortably beating Reform UK, hopes to have enough support to oust Starmer without the need for a leadership contest. However, not all MPs favour an uncontested takeover – some want the new MP to face scrutiny of his ideas.

Streeting and Burnham are expected to speak this weekend, but sources close to Streeting insist he also has the numbers to challenge Starmer and remains determined to do so. They added that Streeting would not trigger a contest this weekend to allow the PM to “reflect on his position”.

Labour rules require potential leadership candidates to secure nominations from at least 20% of the parliamentary party (81 out of 403 MPs), plus 5% of local branches and at least three affiliated groups (two of which must be trade unions). If more than one candidate meets the threshold, members vote. Starmer, as incumbent, does not need nominations and would be on the ballot automatically unless he steps down. He has said he will fight any contest, but loyal cabinet ministers warned him Friday that he could face damaging resignations if he doesn’t set a departure timetable.

Jess Phillips, who resigned as safeguarding minister last month and is close to Streeting, said Burnham had beaten Reform “absolutely soundly” but should still face “the rigour of at least some manner of contest”.

One Burnham ally said they had “passed every single ridiculous test” and the victory sent a clear message. They added that it was necessary to be honest about where the party stands and what is needed to keep a Labour government going, and that Starmer cannot do that.