Andy Burnham vows to ‘change Labour’ in direct challenge to Keir Starmer
Expected candidate in Makerfield byelection says party ‘needs to change if we are to regain people’s trust’
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham vows to "change Labour" and win back lost voters, positioning himself as a challenger to Keir Starmer.
- Burnham will contest the Makerfield byelection, focusing on national issues and economic reform.
- He has ruled out rejoining the EU and recommitted to fiscal rules on borrowing and debt.
- Keir Starmer insists he will not step aside and intends to fight the next general election.
- Wes Streeting's previous comments about potentially rejoining the EU have caused friction within the party.
- Experts in Brussels suggest the UK would not be accepted back into the EU on the same terms.
- Josh Simons resigned to allow Burnham to stand in the Makerfield seat.
- Reform UK is expected to announce its candidate for the Makerfield byelection, criticizing Burnham's search for a seat.