Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is positioning himself to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
This move signals a potential shift in the party's internal power dynamics. If Burnham successfully secures a seat in Parliament, he could emerge as a formidable opponent to Starmer's current leadership during the next contest.
Burnham has indicated he will seek a place in the House of Commons to facilitate this bid. "I will seek to be Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by‑election," Burnham said [1]. A parliamentary seat is a prerequisite for those aspiring to lead the party and serve as Prime Minister.
Despite his ambitions, the path to leadership is fraught with complications. Analysts said that Burnham faces a series of internal party hurdles that could impede his progress [4]. Additionally, there is a risk that Reform UK could influence the outcome of the by-election to block his entry into Parliament [4].
Public perception appears to be in Burnham's favor. According to reporting from The Conversation, polls indicate that Burnham is the most popular candidate among those vying to succeed Starmer [2]. This popularity provides him with a significant base of support, though it does not guarantee the backing of the party's internal machinery.
Some media outlets have argued that the party should embrace this challenge. The Guardian editorial board said in January 2026 that "Blocking Andy Burnham would be a mistake" [3]. The board said that the party's judgment would be tested by how it handles Burnham's candidacy.
Burnham's strategy relies on the Makerfield result. If he wins the seat, he transforms from a regional mayor into a national legislator, a necessary step for any individual seeking the premiership.
“"I will seek to be Labour’s candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by‑election."”
Burnham's bid represents a strategic gamble to transition from regional governance to national leadership. By targeting the Makerfield by-election, he is attempting to bypass internal party gatekeepers who might otherwise block a leadership challenge. However, the potential for Reform UK to act as a spoiler in that specific seat could leave Burnham without a parliamentary platform, effectively ending his bid to succeed Starmer before it begins.
