
Burnham cleared to pursue Makerfield seat, fanning leadership speculation
Labour’s NEC has cleared Andy Burnham to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, which could see him return to Westminster and potentially challenge Keir Starmer for the leadership. The by-election is expected around 18 June after MP Josh Simons resigned; Burnham cannot enter a leadership contest until he becomes an MP. The development intensifies speculation about Labour’s future leadership amid surrounding calls for Starmer to step down and suggestions from allies and rivals about who could run.










