Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLord Hermer, the Attorney General, has stated that Sir Keir Starmer can overcome a leadership challenge, asserting that the Labour leader has consistently been underestimated throughout his career but always emerged victorious. Andy Burnham confirmed his intention to challenge Sir Keir for the Labour leadership if he wins the upcoming Makerfield by-election, stating he would join a contest if one is initiated, following recent poor election results for the party. No 10 responded by clarifying that the process for a leadership challenge has not been triggered and Sir Keir is determined to remain in his position, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also confirming Sir Keir would fight any contest. Lord Hermer, a long-time friend of Sir Keir, praised his resilience and sense of duty, highlighting his past successes as Director of Public Prosecutions and the 2024 general election victory as proof of his ability to defy critics. A recent Survation poll for the Makerfield by-election shows Andy Burnham leading with 49 per cent of the vote, ahead of Reform UK's Robert Kenyon on 39 per cent, in a contest triggered by Josh Simons' resignation to facilitate Burnham's return to Parliament. In fullStarmer can survive a leadership challenge, attorney general insists after Burnham says he’d enter race for No 10Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Andy Burnham has confirmed he will seek to join a leadership race if he wins the Makerfield by-election on June 18 during a lively BBC Question Time debate in a warning to Keir…

The Greater Manchester mayor has previously heavily hinted but ducked out of confirming he would stand against Sir Keir Starmer if he wins a Westminster seat on June 18.

Labour leader hopeful also suggested the law around carrying knives for religious reasons should be reviewed after the death of Henry Nowak

Andy Burnham says he doesn't want to get "ahead of himself", and must first win a by-election later this month.

Manchester mayor targets June 18 parliamentary by-election before launching his bid for No 10.

Manchester mayor still to confirm if he would trigger a contest

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Downing Street responded after Andy Burnham publicly admitted that he would consider launching a bid to become Labour leader

Lord Hermer, the attorney general, said ‘no-one has ever got rich betting against’ the Labour leader after Andy Burnham fired the starting gun on his campaign to become prime…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLord Hermer, the Attorney General, has…