Burnham takes aim at Starmer leadership just days before Makerfield by-election
Starmer says it is ‘his duty’ to carry on as PM
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has warned that the UK is veering towards the “polarised, poisonous politics” seen in the United States under the current Labour leadership.
Mr Burnham, who harbours ambitions to return to Westminster, made these critical remarks about Keir Starmer’s leadership during a campaign speech for the Makerfield by-election, where he is a candidate.
His comments follow recent remarks where he indicated he would not be “squeamish” about reducing the welfare bill to help fund defence spending, a stance emerging after resignations over delayed defence investment.
Mr Burnham asserted that ‘the world has changed’ and it was ‘obvious’ the government would need to adjust its defence spending assumptions.
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for Thursday 18 June, and should Mr Burnham win, he may then set his sights on challenging Starmer for the Labour leadership.
