Will Starmer resign? Labour ministers up pressure after Burnham wins by-election

WorldPolitics
19 Jun 2026 • 10:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Will Starmer resign? Labour ministers up pressure after Burnham wins by-election

  • Andy Burnham achieved a landslide victory in the Makerfield by-election, securing almost 55 per cent of the vote, which has intensified calls for him to become the next Labour leader.
  • Following Burnham's win, numerous Labour MPs, including cabinet members and key figures, are pressuring Sir Keir Starmer to resign and facilitate a 'coronation' for Burnham to avert a protracted leadership contest.
  • The prime minister has defiantly refused to step down, asserting his intention to fight any leadership challenge and urging the party to unite to avoid 'plunging the country into chaos'.
  • Buoyed by his victory, Andy Burnham outlined his vision for Britain, promising to prioritise economic reindustrialisation, end 'trickle-down' economics, and reform the 'unfair' immigration system, aiming to revitalise the Labour Party.
  • Prominent trade union leaders, including Sharon Graham of Unite, have also joined the calls for an 'orderly timetable' for a leadership election, urging Starmer to step down.

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