Labour MP Marie Rimmer rejects speculation over stepping aside for Andy Burnham
The decision ends hopes among Burnham allies that the constituency would be utilised for a potential byelection, while Rimmer warns that a leadership challenge would render Labour indistinguishable from the Conservatives.
Marie Rimmer has confirmed she will not stand down from her seat of St Helens South and Whiston, effectively ending speculation that she would vacate the constituency to allow Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to contest a potential byelection. The MP, who has served since 2015, stated she has not spoken to Burnham in years and firmly backs Prime Minister Keir Starmer to remain in office to avoid political chaos.
Rimmer explicitly rejected the notion of stepping aside, noting that her constituency party selects candidates and that she has had no recent conversations with Burnham regarding her future. She described the current leadership speculation as "panic stations" and argued that Starmer should not resign, warning that a leadership contest would make Labour look like the Conservatives. This stance deals a significant blow to Burnham's allies, who had identified Rimmer's seat as a potential target for a byelection following recent electoral defeats.
Sources within the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) indicated that while they previously blocked Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection, they might reconsider if there is a clear question mark over Starmer's political authority, provided a byelection is called first. However, Rimmer's refusal removes a key potential avenue for Burnham's candidacy at this time, as the NEC would require a specific trigger regarding political authority before altering their previous intervention.
Supporters of Health Secretary Wes Streeting are also calling for a swift transition of power if Burnham cannot secure a viable seat elsewhere. This internal pressure on Starmer has been compounded by over 70 Labour MPs who have formally called for the Prime Minister to resign following dire results in recent local and devolved elections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Rimmer, who mentioned she has experienced ill health but has continued working, stated she has not held discussions with the party about her future. The last time she and Burnham spoke was during the last general election campaign, though allies claim they have spoken more recently. Despite these conflicting accounts, Rimmer remains resolute in her decision to remain in her seat and oppose any immediate leadership change.