UK politics: Andy Burnham has path to challenge for leadership but must win seat first

Greater Manchester mayor would need to win seat before launching campaign for Labour leadership

Labour leader Keir Starmer and Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham pictured in 2024. File image

Andy Burnham now has a potential route back to the British parliament and a chance to become Labour’s next leader after an MP said he would trigger a byelection by standing down from his seat.

The move ended days of speculation about whether Burnham could secure a possible path back into Westminster, and underlined the increasingly precarious nature of Keir Starmer’s premiership.