What could happen next in Labour leadership challenge?
How a contest to become PM is triggered, and Andy Burnham’s chances in the Makerfield byelection
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham may return to Parliament via a byelection in Makerfield, increasing chances of a Labour leadership challenge.
- A Labour leadership contest requires a candidate to secure backing from 20% of Labour MPs (81 MPs).
- Candidates are then voted on by party members and affiliated trade unions using a preferential voting system, where the winner needs over 50% of first preferences.
- If no candidate secures over 50%, the last-placed candidate is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on second preferences until a winner emerges.
- Potential contenders for leadership include Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and Al Carns, though none have formally confirmed candidacy.
- The current Labour leader, Keir Starmer, would remain in his position if he wins any leadership challenge.
- If Starmer resigned, a senior cabinet member could act as a caretaker until a new leader is elected.
- The winner of a Labour leadership contest could become Prime Minister without a general election, provided they have the confidence of the House of Commons.