The race to challenge Keir Starmer has been blown open after a Labour MP sensationally announced he is quitting – paving the way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament. Moments after the announcement, Mr Burnham confirmed he would be seeking selection for the seat. He wrote: “I want to recognise the difficult decision taken by Josh Simons and the sacrifice he and his family are making.”
He continued: “Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again. This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.”
The latest development comes hours after Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit the Cabinet – but did not immediately launch a leadership challenge, as he had been expected to do. It piles further pressure on the PM – who faced intense criticism after Mr Burnham was blocked from standing in Gorton and Denton in February.
In order to become Prime Minister, Mr Burnham first needs to be adopted as a candidate by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He then needs to win a by-election, and then secure the support of 81 Labour MPs to challenge Mr Starmer.
