Starmer Under Siege: Streeting Resigns, Burnham Circles as Labour Leadership Crisis Deepens
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most serious challenge to his leadership since winning a landslide majority two years ago, as former Health Secretary Wes Streeting formally resigned from the cabinet and announced he would stand to replace him, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham moves to re-enter Parliament. The developments, unfolding over the past 48 hours, have plunged the Labour Party into open turmoil just weeks after devastating local election losses.
Streeting, who stepped down from his role as health secretary on Thursday, used a speech at the Progress annual conference on Saturday to confirm his intention to run for the party leadership once a contest is triggered. “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing,” he told attendees, according to reports from Al Jazeera and the BBC. In his resignation letter, Streeting told Starmer he had “lost confidence” in his leadership and that it was “now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election.”
Simultaneously, Labour MP Josh Simons resigned from his seat in Makerfield, triggering a by-election to allow Andy Burnham, the high-profile mayor of Greater Manchester, to seek a return to Parliament. Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) has since approved Burnham’s candidacy, clearing a major procedural hurdle. The by-election is expected on June 18, according to BBC sources. Burnham, who served in cabinet under Gordon Brown and has long been touted as a potential leader, confirmed he had requested permission from the NEC to stand, calling the moment one “to save the Labour Party.”
Why This Matters: The Stakes for Starmer and Labour
This is not a routine political squabble. Starmer, who led Labour to a commanding 170-seat majority in 2024, now faces a coordinated push from within his own party to force him out. More than 80 MPs have publicly called for him to resign or set a timetable for his departure, while four junior ministers have already left the government. Streeting’s resignation marks the first cabinet-level departure, a symbolic breaking point that signals the rebellion has reached the highest echelons of power.
The immediate trigger was last week’s local elections, in which Labour lost nearly 1,500 council seats across England. The losses were compounded by a surge in support for Reform UK and the Green Party, eroding Labour’s coalition and raising questions about Starmer’s electoral viability. But the rot had set in earlier, with the prime minister’s approval ratings sliding over a series of policy U-turns and a damaging scandal tied to the appointment of Peter Mandelson, a former minister with ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as British ambassador to Washington.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has echoed Starmer’s warning that a leadership contest would “plunge the country into uncertainty,” while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told colleagues to “pause, take a breath as a party and try and draw a line under all of this.” Housing Secretary Steve Reed, a Starmer ally, urged MPs to “take a breath” after a “dreadful week,” insisting he did not expect a formal leadership challenge. Yet the momentum appears to be shifting.
The Mandelson Factor and Policy Failures
Starmer’s difficulties began long before the local elections. Last year, his government reversed course on three major policies within a single month after internal party pressure, undermining perceptions of strong leadership. The appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US proved particularly damaging. Mandelson failed initial vetting for the role, and his past association with Epstein raised questions about Starmer’s judgment. The scandal eroded trust among both the public and Labour MPs, many of whom felt the prime minister had prioritised personal loyalty over sound governance.
Internationally, Starmer’s government has also faced criticism for its handling of foreign policy, including a perceived weakness in response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. While the UK has maintained official support for diplomatic solutions, the broader global context—including Israel and US preparations to renew Iran war as ceasefire crumbles—has added to the sense that Starmer’s government is reactive rather than proactive on the world stage.
The Contenders: Streeting, Burnham, and the Race to Succeed Starmer
With Starmer’s position weakening, two figures have emerged as the leading contenders to replace him: Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham. Both are seen as formidable opponents, though they represent different wings of the party.
Wes Streeting: The Moderniser
Streeting, the former health secretary, is a centrist moderniser who has built a reputation as a sharp communicator and a ruthless operator. His resignation was carefully timed: by stepping down before formally launching a leadership bid, he allowed himself to criticise Starmer while positioning himself as the candidate of change. In his speech on Saturday, Streeting criticised Labour’s readiness for government, saying the party “arrived in government underprepared in too many areas and lacking clarity of vision and direction.” However, he also threw his weight behind Burnham, writing on X: “We need our best players on the pitch. There is no doubt that Andy Burnham is one of them.” This apparent contradiction—declaring his own candidacy while endorsing a rival—has fuelled speculation that Streeting may ultimately step aside if Burnham gains sufficient momentum, or that the two are coordinating to avoid splitting the anti-Starmer vote.
Andy Burnham: The King of the North
Burnham, the twice-elected mayor of Greater Manchester, is arguably the most popular Labour figure outside Westminster. Known as the “King of the North,” he has built a strong base by championing regional issues, including transport, housing, and health. His return to Parliament is a prerequisite for any leadership bid, as serving MPs are typically the only candidates eligible for the contest. The Makerfield by-election, in a safe Labour seat, is widely seen as a formality, with polling expert Sir John Curtice calling it a “formidable challenge” only in the sense that Burnham must now reconnect with local voters after years in regional government.
Burnham’s pitch is one of unity and experience. In a video statement, he said: “This is a moment to save the Labour Party.” He has positioned himself as a figure who can heal the party’s divisions and restore its electoral appeal, particularly in northern constituencies that drifted to the Conservatives and Reform UK. His candidacy has been endorsed by Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, who said she “fully supports” him.
Other Potential Candidates
While Streeting and Burnham dominate the narrative, other names have been floated. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is seen as a potential unity candidate, though she has not declared any intention to run. Some Labour MPs have also mentioned Steve Reed and Bridget Phillipson as possible contenders, though both have publicly backed Starmer. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has seized on the chaos, calling the Labour Party “in chaos” and demanding a general election.
What Happens Next: The Path Forward
The immediate question is whether Starmer can survive the week. Under Labour Party rules, a formal leadership challenge can be triggered if 20% of Labour MPs (around 81 at current strength) sign a petition. Streeting’s camp claims to have secured that number, though no formal submission has been made. Starmer has so far refused to set a departure timetable, insisting he will “get on with governing.” Downing Street has indicated it will not block Burnham’s by-election candidacy, a move that may be intended to de-escalate tensions by allowing the party’s internal processes to play out without outright rebellion.
The Makerfield By-Election
The Makerfield contest, likely on June 18, will be a critical test. If Burnham wins—as expected—he will immediately become a focal point for anti-Starmer sentiment. The by-election’s result will be scrutinised not only for the margin of victory but for the turnout and the performance of Reform UK and the Greens, which could signal broader electoral trends.
The Leadership Contest Timeline
If a formal challenge is launched, the contest would unfold over several weeks, with Labour members and affiliated unions voting. The process could be completed by late summer, meaning Starmer could be replaced before the party’s annual conference in September. However, some Labour figures, including Steve Reed, have urged restraint, arguing that a protracted leadership contest would be a gift to the Conservatives and would distract from pressing domestic issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and National Health Service reform.
Broader Implications: What This Means for British Politics
The Labour leadership crisis is not just an internal party matter; it has profound implications for the UK’s political landscape. The Conservative Party, still recovering from its 2024 defeat, has been quick to exploit Labour’s turmoil. Kemi Badenoch has called for a general election, though the next scheduled poll is not until 2029. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, Starmer could theoretically call an early election, but doing so while his leadership is under threat would be politically suicidal.
Internationally, instability in the UK government comes at a delicate time. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East, including the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, requires steady diplomatic engagement. A distracted UK government may struggle to maintain its influence in NATO and the UN. Domestically, the leadership vacuum could delay key legislative priorities, including housing reform, net-zero energy policies, and NHS funding.
The Reform UK Factor
The rise of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has added a new dimension to the crisis. Reform’s success in the local elections, particularly in working-class northern and Midlands seats, suggests that Labour’s traditional base is fracturing. Both Streeting and Burnham will need to address this if they hope to reunite the party’s coalition. Burnham, with his strong regional identity, may be better positioned to win back disaffected voters, while Streeting’s centrist appeal could attract swing voters in the south.
The Public Mood
Public opinion, as captured in recent polls, is deeply sceptical of Starmer. Approval ratings have sunk to levels comparable to those of John Major in the months before the 1997 Labour landslide. However, no alternative candidate currently commands majority support among the electorate. The coming weeks will determine whether any of the contenders can break through.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Labour
Keir Starmer has not yet resigned, and his allies insist he retains the support of the cabinet and the parliamentary party. But the events of the past week—Streeting’s resignation, Burnham’s return, and the growing list of MPs calling for change—suggest that the prime minister’s grip on power is loosening. Whether he can survive will depend on his ability to stem the bleeding, offer a compelling vision for the future, and convince his own party that he is not a liability.
For now, the Labour Party is in a state of suspended animation, waiting for the next domino to fall. If Burnham wins in Makerfield, and if the 81 signatures materialise, Starmer’s time may be short. If, however, the rebellion falters and the party rallies behind him, the crisis could yet become a turning point that strengthens his authority. Either way, British politics is entering a period of high drama, with consequences that will reverberate far beyond Westminster.
While the nation watches, and as the political world speculates on the outcome, other stories continue to unfold. Millions were raised an Olly Murs Raises Over £830,000 for Soccer Aid in Grueling Challenge, a reminder of the charitable spirit that persists even in turbulent times. For now, however, all eyes are on Downing Street and the question that dominates every news bulletin: has Keir Starmer resigned? The answer, as of today, is no—but it may only be a matter of time.
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