Harman warns Burnham leadership could trigger UK general election

Former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has cautioned that the prospect of Andy Burnham succeeding Keir Starmer as prime minister could destabilise the UK’s current political landscape, potentially triggering an early general election. Speaking at the Hay literary festival, Harman outlined a scenario in which Burnham, should he assume the premiership, might feel compelled to secure his own democratic mandate rather than simply implementing Starmer’s existing platform.

Harman highlighted the potential for political friction from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who she suggested would likely characterise a Burnham leadership as illegitimate. “Farage will be saying... Nobody’s voted for him, he’s a usurper,” Harman noted. She argued that to neutralise such accusations and capitalise on any potential surge in public support, Burnham might view a general election as a necessary political tool, a move that could disrupt the stability the current government promised.

Drawing on historical precedent, Harman referenced the tenure of Gordon Brown, who succeeded Tony Blair in 2007 without calling a snap election. She cited Brown’s failure to seek a fresh mandate despite polling gains as a cautionary tale, noting that his government subsequently faced significant difficulties. Harman suggested that Burnham, aware of this history, might feel pressured to avoid a similar trajectory by seeking immediate voter approval.

The comments come ahead of the Makerfield byelection on 18 June, a contest that could significantly alter the Labour leadership dynamic. Harman, who was appointed by Starmer as an adviser on women and girls following recent electoral setbacks, expressed a desire for Burnham to win the byelection and return to Westminster. However, she acknowledged that a victory for the Manchester mayor would likely pave the way for a leadership challenge, a development she stated she does not desire.

Despite the turbulence of the current political moment, Harman rejected narratives suggesting Britain is ungovernable. Speaking during a live recording of Sky’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast, she described the role of prime minister as “very tough” but insisted it is not impossible. She positioned herself as an outlier in favour of allowing a prime minister to serve their full term, barring misconduct, arguing that while stability is often viewed as “fusty and unsexy”, it is essential for economic and social continuity.