Keir Starmer woke up in No.10 Downing Street this morning, but for how much longer?
After a week of turmoil, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has finally made his move, and the roadmap to a British leadership change is suddenly visible.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seeking a return to Parliament via a by-election in Makerfield triggered by MP Josh Simons’ resignation). If he wins, the path to challenge Starmer becomes clear. Labour’s ruling NEC officers are expected to meet today to decide if they will allow Burnham to run.
- But this is no victory lap. Nigel Farage has vowed to throw “absolutely everything” at Makerfield. With Reform UK polling at strongly locally, Burnham is heading into one hell of a fight.
- Watch for market tremors too: after a wild week, the City of London is spooked. Sterling dropped as traders price in the end of the Starmer era and the arrival of a more interventionist Burnham.
Follow along for the latest updates and analysis from the POLITICO team.