Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed speculation about leadership challenges within the Labour Party as a waste of time, stating that the focus should be on addressing the cost of living crisis and improving public services. This statement comes amidst reports of a briefing war involving Health Secretary Wes Streeting and suggestions that he might be a potential challenger.
Starmer has indicated he was assured these attacks did not originate from his office. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has repeatedly refused to rule out a future bid for the Labour leadership, further fueling such speculation.
He has also acknowledged support from MPs who would facilitate a leadership challenge, including one who offered to resign his seat. Another Labour MP has publicly called for a change in leadership, expressing a lack of confidence in Starmer's ability to change the party's direction.
Despite the ongoing leadership discussions, Starmer has publicly praised Andy Burnham's work as mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighting their close collaboration and his reliance on Burnham for local assessments, particularly in the aftermath of a recent attack. Starmer did not reprimand Burnham for fueling leadership speculation, instead emphasizing Burnham's positive contributions.
