Pressure mounts on Starmer as Labour MP resigns, paving way for return of leadership rival Andy Burnham
A Labour Member of Parliament announced his resignation on Thursday in a move that could pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Westminster, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid growing unrest within the party.
Josh Simons said he would step down as MP for Makerfield, triggering a by-election in the safe Labour seat. Burnham later confirmed he plans to seek approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to run as the party’s candidate, framing the move as a chance to bring “Greater Manchester-style” politics to the national stage.
The development follows months of speculation about Burnham’s return to Parliament, after Starmer repeatedly blocked attempts for his return to Westminster. The prime minister’s leadership has come under mounting strain in recent weeks following poor local election results and growing calls within Labour for a change in direction.
Starmer suffered another blow Thursday when his health secretary resigned, saying he had “lost confidence” in the prime minister’s “heavy-handed” leadership.
“I do not believe this government is delivering the urgent, radical, brave reform we need,” Simons wrote in his resignation letter. “We need a new direction. I believe that Andy Burnham can provide it.”
In a social media post, Burnham confirmed he would pursue the candidacy.
“I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election,” Burnham wrote.
“There is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester,” he added. “Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again.”
Labour suffered heavy losses in recent local elections, with dozens of council seats falling to populist Reform UK and the Conservatives.
Senior Labour figures have increasingly questioned Starmer’s leadership, with more than 90 Labour MPs out of the party’s 403 lawmakers calling for Starmer to step down in recent days, though the prime minister has insisted he intends to remain in office.
Starmer has not publicly responded to the latest resignation. Earlier this week, he downplayed speculation about his political future.
“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered,” Starmer said Tuesday. “The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do.”
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