See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 16:19 BST, 21 May 2026 | Updated: 20:45 BST, 21 May 2026
Keir Starmer confirmed today he will go to Makerfield to campaign for leadership rival Andy Burnham in a by-election that could end up costing him his job.Downing Street has been tight-lipped until now about whether the Prime Minister would help the mayor of Greater Manchester win a seat that would provide a springboard to replace him.But asked today by reporters whether he would travel to the North West to help Mr Burnham beat Reform he said: 'Yes, and I've said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it's really important – that's a straight fight between Labour and Reform.'Mr Burnham's office welcomed Sir Keir's offer, with a spokeswoman saying: 'Anyone who wants to embrace Andy's campaign message is welcome on the campaign.'It came as the PM found himself in the unlikely position of being to the left of Mr Burnham on immigration and to the right of moderate leadership hopeful Wes Streeting on tax reform.The Greater Manchester mayor is said to be behind a toughening of rules pushed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, despite claims the PM believes they are too hardline. Downing Street has been tight-lipped until now about whether the Prime Minister would help the mayor of Greater Manchester win a seat that would provide a springboard to replace him But asked today if he would travel to the North West he said: 'Yes, and I've said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign'She wants to double the time it will take legal immigrants to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), from five to ten years.But in a more controversial move she is consulting on the change applying retrospectively to migrants already in Britain.It would affect around 2.2 million people who have arrived since 2021 and was criticised by MPs including Angela Rayner.A source told the Guardian: 'For Andy, migration is a moral issue as much as anything, showing people who've lost faith in politics that we do have control and we can do good.'At the same time Mr Streeting called for a wealth tax on the 'rich' that he claimed could bring in £12billion a year.But the idea was immediately criticised by economists, who warned that in reality it risks reducing government revenues and killing investment.Downing Street also played down the prospect, insisting the system already ensures those with 'the broadest shoulders pay their fair share'. The intervention comes as nervous markets brace for a 'bidding war' in Labour that could drive the party towards more extreme policies.Big beasts are gearing up for a contest to replace Sir Keir within months, whether or not Mr Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election. Wes Streeting - seen as the Blairite candidate - called for a levy on the 'rich' that could bring in £12billion a year
