Burnham targets Westminster seat as Starmer’s leadership faces internal revolt
With Keir Starmer recorded as the most unpopular prime minister since the late 1970s, Andy Burnham announces bid for Ashton-in-Makerfield by-election, drawing fierce competition from Nigel Farage’s Reform Party.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced his intention to contest the upcoming by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a strategic move widely interpreted as a bid to re-enter Westminster politics and position himself as a potential successor to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The announcement comes as Starmer faces intensifying internal pressure following a series of political missteps and a disastrous showing in local elections in early May.
Polling data released by Ipsos indicates that Starmer is currently the most unpopular prime minister since records began in the late 1970s. This external unpopularity is mirrored by a significant disconnect within the Labour Party. Recent YouGov polling released on 19 May 2026 reveals that while 66 per cent of Labour members rate Starmer’s performance as fairly or very good, only 28 per cent believe he should lead the party into the next general election. In a direct comparison, members favour Burnham over Starmer by a factor of two to one.
Burnham, often referred to as the “King of the North,” leverages his reputation as an outsider to the Westminster elite, despite a history of senior government roles. Before becoming Manchester Mayor in 2017, he served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State for Health under Gordon Brown, where he managed the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. He has previously contested the leadership twice, finishing fourth in 2010 and second in 2015, before retreating to local government where he has focused on devolved powers and transport reforms.
The by-election is expected to be heavily contested by the right-wing Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, who has pledged to campaign vigorously. Reports from The Times suggest that Burnham’s rivals, including Starmer, may be asked to stand aside if Burnham wins the seat. This potential shift follows a decision by Labour’s National Executive Committee in February to prevent Burnham from standing in the Manchester Gorton and Denton by-election, a move seen by many as protecting the incumbent prime minister.
Former Chancellor Wes Streeting, previously viewed as the leading challenger, has declined to launch a leadership bid but has publicly expressed a lack of confidence in Starmer. Supporters of Burnham aim to secure the leadership by the Labour Party’s annual conference in September, capitalising on the current unrest. However, Burnham’s path to Downing Street remains uncertain, complicated by the fierce opposition from Farage and the complex internal dynamics of the Labour Party.
