Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham for Makerfield by-election
Wes Streeting backed Andy Burnham as Labour’s “best chance” of winning the Makerfield by-election, as the former health secretary’s allies said he would still contest any battle for the party leadership.
Mr Burnham declared he would seek permission from Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) to contest the by-election after the current MP, Josh Simons, announced on Thursday he would quit Parliament to make way for the mayor.
If successful, Mr Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.
In a tweet on Friday, Mr Streeting backed his potential rival’s bid to fight the impending by-election, saying Labour needs “our best players on the pitch”.
Imagine three texts from Wes to Andy -
Sorry you lost Makerfield Andy, Reform stole it, you were the best candidate by far. Now you are out of the race I'm prepared to carry the flag for change though.
Sorry Andy, for some reason I posted the last message before the result came in.
Just seen the Makerfield result. Bad luck Andy. Good guess on my part though.
Sorry Andy, for some reason I posted the last message before the result came in.
Just seen the Makerfield result. Bad luck Andy. Good guess on my part though.