British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned Andy Burnham not to launch an immediate battle for the leadership of the Labour Party should he be elected as an MP. The warning came a day before the by-election in the Makerfield constituency, which is taking place on Thursday, June 18, and which, according to several commentators, could affect the future of both the party and the British government. Politico Europe ↗
Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, is described in British politics as a prominent figure within Labour. Commentary on his candidacy states that if he wins the election, a path to the position of prime minister would open up for him, although the role could be politically challenging. According to available information, Starmer himself urged both Burnham and the party to focus on the election of new leadership in Manchester rather than an immediate internal party conflict. BBC News ↗
At the same time, pressure is mounting on Labour regarding relations with the European Union. Former British Ambassador to the EU Ivan Rogers claims that the party came to power without a clear vision of what the new relationship with Brussels should look like. The Liberal Democrats want to challenge Burnham to end Labour's cautious approach to the EU and support a return to the single market. The Guardian ↗
The by-election in Makerfield will therefore not be merely a local vote. Its outcome could determine whether Burnham becomes an immediate factor in national politics, or whether the pressure on Starmer remains, for now, primarily a matter of internal party speculation. denikn.cz ↗
Starmer warns Burnham against a fight for Labour leadership
On Record
Keir Starmer
Premiér Spojeného kráľovstva a líder Labouristickej strany
19.06.2026
„Pred touto výzvou neutekám a ani nezmením kurz."
Reakcia na výzvy na odchod po Burnhamovej víťazstve v doplňovacích voľbách v Makerfielde.
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies. Please verify information in the original sources below.
Sources (3)
Labour came to power with no big idea for relations with EU, says former top diplomat
The Guardian
| 11:27 17.06.
Lib Dems to urge Labour to drop ‘torpor and timidity’ on EU and rejoin single market
The Guardian
| 07:00 17.06.
Makerfield by-election: It’s the final campaign day — live updates
Politico Europe
| 11:00 17.06.
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