Chris Mason: Inside the shadow contest to be our next prime minister

It has become increasingly probable, perhaps even highly likely, that the UK will see a new prime minister, potentially within a matter of weeks or months. Compared to the volatility and noise of the previous week, the political landscape has settled somewhat, yet the maneuvering to determine Sir Keir Starmer’s successor is unfolding in real time.

However, a crucial distinction remains: no formal challenge has been launched, and Starmer is currently focused on governing. This has frustrated some Labour MPs who are calling for a clear timeline for his departure. Others speculate that keeping the succession uncertain may benefit Andy Burnham, who is facing a by-election in Makerfield. If Starmer does not announce a resignation plan, Burnham can argue that his own electoral victory would compel the prime minister to step down.

This scenario creates an unusual asymmetry. Unlike Burnham, who must win a specific constituency, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting faces no immediate electoral hurdle. Consequently, their audiences differ significantly. Burnham’s immediate pitch is geographically targeted toward the towns and villages surrounding Wigan, St Helens, and Leigh in the north west, where the Makerfield constituency is located. Streeting, now a backbencher, is addressing Labour MPs and party members, aiming to persuade them ahead of a potential contest next month.

Having been freed from the constraints of front-bench collective responsibility for the first time in years, Streeting has spoken freely. Over the weekend, he labeled Brexit a "catastrophic mistake" and expressed hope that the UK might eventually rejoin the European Union. Burnham holds a similar long-term view, having stated last autumn that he hopes to see the UK rejoin the EU within his lifetime. However, the Greater Manchester mayor has adjusted his messaging, asserting that discussing rejoining the bloc is currently "the last thing we should do."

This shift aligns with the political reality of Makerfield, which voted decisively for Brexit and heavily supported Reform UK in recent local elections. Burnham claims this emphasis is intended to foster unity, noting that he understands the appeal of Reform UK to many voters.

The renewed public debate over Brexit has irritated several Labour MPs. "It's mad. The referendum decision has to stand," one minister told me. "I know what plenty of Labour Party members are like. They think the country got it wrong and they'd love to reverse Brexit. But it makes us look very detached. Improve Brexit, sure, but let's not get into overturning it, for goodness sake."

On economic policy, Burnham has promised to uphold the borrowing limits defined by the current government as "fiscal rules." He has sought to reassure financial markets, particularly after recently suggesting that some defense spending might be excluded from these constraints. Last autumn, he told the New Statesman that the government needed to "get beyond this thing of being in hock to the bond markets." These remarks drew public rebukes from several Labour MPs, including the prime minister and the chancellor. Burnham later clarified that he was referring to politicians who had lost control of public spending, thereby placing the country in debt to markets.

More analysis of these positions is anticipated. Burnham is expected to be officially confirmed as the Labour candidate for the by-election within the next day or so, while Streeting is likely to make further statements later this week. Both figures will face intense scrutiny as they attempt to outline their visions.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-19 09:50:45 UTC