‘No other plan comes close’: how Labour MPs turned to Burnham with Starmer on the brink
Labour MPs are increasingly looking to Andy Burnham as an alternative leader amid growing dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer's leadership ahead of the upcoming elections. Burnham's allies are actively preparing for his potential return to Parliament within weeks, with plans for a manifesto focused on electoral reform, social care funding, and local service transformation. Despite resistance from Starmer's camp and party structures, speculation mounts over a possible leadership shift if Labour performs poorly in the elections.
- ▪Andy Burnham is preparing a manifesto for a potential return to Parliament and a bid for prime minister.
- ▪Allies have identified possible seats in Greater Manchester and Merseyside for Burnham's comeback, with Bev Craig tipped to replace him as mayor.
- ▪Burnham's platform includes proportional representation, higher defence spending, and inheritance tax reform to fund social care.
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Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, seen here before Manchester United played Arsenal, are reportedly again contesting Labour’s future. Photograph: Ash Donelon/Manchester United/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenKeir Starmer and Andy Burnham, seen here before Manchester United played Arsenal, are reportedly again contesting Labour’s future. Photograph: Ash Donelon/Manchester United/Getty ImagesAndy Burnham‘No other plan comes close’: Labour MPs turn to Burnham as pressure mounts on StarmerLeadership options in focus amid fears over election losses, with allies of Greater Manchester mayor stepping up preparations for a comeback Andy Burnham has plan to return to Westminster ‘within weeks’, allies sayJosh Halliday and Jessica ElgotFri 1 May 2026 13.08 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 13.20…
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