Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would run if a leadership contest is called following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election.
The result arrives amid growing pressure from ministers and MPs for Starmer to step aside. The victory for Burnham, a Labour candidate, is being viewed by some as a sign of momentum for the challenger and a decline for the current leadership.
Burnham won the seat in north-west England on June 18, 2026 [1]. Following the result, Starmer congratulated Burnham. Speaking from a housing visit in London, the Prime Minister said the outcome shows that Reform UK has peaked.
While Starmer framed the win as a victory for the party, other reports describe Burnham as the frontrunner to overthrow the Prime Minister. The tension within the party has increased as calls for a leadership change grow louder.
Starmer did not specify when a contest might occur but said that he remains the leader of the party. He emphasized the importance of the Makerfield result in demonstrating Labour's current strength against rival parties.
Burnham's success in the by-election on June 18, 2026 [1] provides a concrete data point for those arguing that the party needs a change in direction. The Prime Minister's decision to commit to a potential contest suggests he is preparing for a formal challenge to his authority.
“Starmer said the result shows Reform UK has peaked”
The Makerfield by-election victory for Andy Burnham transforms internal party dissatisfaction into a tangible political challenge. By stating he would contest a leadership vote, Starmer is attempting to project strength and stability, but the public nature of the rivalry suggests a deepening divide between the Prime Minister's current strategy and the momentum building behind Burnham.
