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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics

Burnham, Starmer and the Labour leadership

Andy Burnham celebrates his victory at Ashton Town football club, Greater Manchester, on 19 June.
Andy Burnham celebrates his victory at Ashton Town football club, Greater Manchester, on 19 June. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

I have long admired Andy Burnham (Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exit, 19 June). As mayor of Greater Manchester, he has been a powerful advocate for fairness, inclusion and regional investment. As someone who grew up in Manchester, I am proud of what he has achieved. That is precisely why I was disappointed to hear renewed speculation about a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.

Many of us voted Labour in 2024 because we wanted stability after years of political turmoil. We were not looking for a political celebrity; we were looking for someone serious, competent and resilient enough to govern in difficult circumstances.

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