Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) said Wednesday he wants Andy Burnham (Labour) to have a big role in government [1].
The endorsement comes as the Labour Party seeks to solidify its leadership and maintain momentum ahead of a critical local contest. By publicly backing Burnham, Starmer is attempting to counter internal speculation regarding leadership challenges while strengthening the party's image of unity.
Starmer made the comments while speaking to Sky’s Beth Rigby at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France [1]. He confirmed that he will campaign for Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026 [2].
"I want Andy Burnham to have a big role in government," Starmer said [1].
The Prime Minister's support for the Mayor of Greater Manchester signals a strategic alignment between the national leadership and one of the party's most prominent regional figures. This move is designed to highlight the government's current record and bolster Burnham's candidacy in the upcoming vote [3].
While addressing the political climate, Burnham said "people are losing faith in politics" [4]. Starmer used the opportunity to reaffirm his own commitment to lead the party into the next general election.
"I do want to fight the next election," Starmer said [4].
The Makerfield by-election serves as a high-stakes test of the party's popularity. A victory for Burnham would not only secure the seat, but also provide a mandate for his potential transition into a senior national role within the Labour administration [2].
“"I want Andy Burnham to have a big role in government."”
This endorsement serves as a strategic preemptive strike against potential party fractures. By offering Burnham a 'big role' in government, Starmer is effectively integrating a powerful regional rival into the central administration, thereby neutralizing a potential leadership threat while securing a key victory in the Makerfield by-election.
