Keir Starmer says he will campaign for Andy Burnham in Makerfield by-election

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be out campaigning for potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election.

The Prime Minister also sought to draw attention to his Government’s record and away from “all the other discussions that are going on”, in apparent reference to the leadership speculation that has dogged his premiership since Labour’s local and devolved elections mauling.

Asked whether he would be out supporting Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham’s campaign in Makerfield, Sir Keir told reporters on a visit to Essex on Thursday: “Yes, and I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it’s really important – that’s a straight fight between Labour and Reform.

“It’s about the values that we take into politics, and it’s really important that we all pull together and fight in that by-election, as we will do.”

He added: “I want to be part of that, of course I do, and I want everybody to be part of that, but also by being clear about the steps we’ve taken to stabilise the economy, because all of this that we’ve announced today has only been possible because of the steps we took on the budget, the fact that inflation dropped is because of the steps – that didn’t drop out the sky – that’s because of the decisions the Government took.

“So, we’ve got a very good story to tell.”

Sir Keir also talked up recent good news when asked whether he was frustrated by the focus from Labour MPs on Mr Burnham and former health secretary Wes Streeting’s ambitions to oust him.

He said: “There’s been a lot going on in the last two weeks, but what is important for me to draw out is that actually the last week, in terms of what we’ve delivered, is really significant.”

He pointed to recent figures showing the UK’s real gross domestic product grew by 0.6% in the first quarter from January to March, falling NHS waiting lists, and a drop in UK net migration to the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesperson for Mr Burnham said: “Anyone who wants to embrace Andy’s campaign message is welcome on the campaign.”

Published: 21/05/2026 by Radio NewsHub