Burnham mounts leadership bid as Starmer faces mounting pressure

Andy Burnham, fresh from winning Makerfield with about 55% of the vote and a margin over Reform UK of more than 9,000, is positioning himself to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership. The development comes as Labour loses liberal voters to the Greens and Reform UK in polls. Starmer says he will run if faced with a challenge, while allies like Wes Streeting signal intent to stand, and veteran party voices like Charlie Falconer call for a transition plan, leaving the party in a tense debate over its leadership and direction.