The politician announced his decision in the media. If he receives the acceptance of the party's leadership and wins the vote, he will become the main contender to replace Keir Starmer as the head of the government and the party. Burnham previously served in Parliament from 2001-2017.
“I confirm that I intend to approach the NEC [Krajowego Komitetu Wykonawczego Partii Pracy] for permission to stand in the by-election in the Makerfield constituency” Burnham wrote.
— Millions of people are struggling and need a Labor government to succeed. Already within the first two years, changes were implemented that improved their quality of life. After this week, we owe it to the people to come together again as the Labor movement, he explained.
He resigned his seat so that Burnham could return to parliament
Shortly before the mayor of Manchester's declaration, Labor MP Josh Simons resigned from his seat in Makerfield. The district is located in the Greater Manchester metropolitan county. Simons admitted he had stepped down to allow Burnham to return to the bench.
The mayor of Manchester has strong support among the group's rank-and-file members. In party circles, he is considered the person most likely to improve the situation of Labor. The lack of a parliamentary mandate has so far been the main obstacle that prevented him from taking the lead, and thus from becoming the head of government.
Support of the Labor caucus required
However, the mere declaration of willingness to take part does not mean anything. NEC approval is needed first. In January, Starmer blocked Burnham's candidacy in another by-election. Then there is the victory in Makerfield itself, which cannot be considered a foregone conclusion.
If he returns to the House of Commons, he will need to muster the support of one-fifth of the Labor parliamentary caucus, equivalent to 81 people. Only then could he formally challenge Starmer's position and bring about a leadership vote among the entire party membership base.
Pressure on the British Prime Minister after the elections
Pressure for the prime minister to step down has increased after Labor's losses in the local elections in England on May 1 and in the elections to the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Since then, many Labor MPs have publicly called on the head of government to resign.
Health Minister Wes Streeting resigned from his position on Thursday. According to reports, he also has ambitions to fight to replace Starmer as the leader of the party.
