- Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has backed Keir Starmer to remain Prime Minister but also expressed her desire for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.
- Powell sidestepped questions regarding whether Starmer should lead the party into the next general election, despite defending his leadership as 'incredibly resilient and stoic'.
- The comments precede local elections across England, Wales, and Scotland, which are widely predicted to be challenging for Labour and have intensified speculation about Starmer's leadership.
- Powell described Andy Burnham as an 'incredibly popular, relatable and effective politician' and confirmed her support for his potential return to Parliament.
- Pat McFadden, a key ally of Starmer, insisted the Prime Minister is 'resolute' and warned that a leadership contest would be a mistake, while Starmer vowed to fight for every vote.
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