Starmer tells supporters he will fight any leadership contest

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Starmer tells supporters he will fight any leadership contest6 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBen Wright ,Political CorrespondentandChris GrahamReutersSir Keir Starmer has told supporters this weekend he will stand in any Labour leadership contest that is triggered. Until now, the prime minster and his allies insisted he would not walk away if one was held but there has been a big question mark over what he would actually do. However, after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he would seek to enter any potential leadership contest, Sir Keir's position hardened, the understands.

The prime minister, who still believes a leadership contest could plunge the country into chaos, said he had won a massive majority two years ago and a mandate that he was determined to deliver. With former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Burnham circling, and scores of Labour MPs having urged the prime minister to quit, there have been weeks of speculation about a possible challenge. Much of what happens next depends on the outcome of the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, which Burnham must win to be able to stand in a leadership contest.

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But the prime minister's resolve to fight means the chances of a full-blown Labour leadership scrap seem to have risen. As the sitting Labour leader he would automatically be on the ballot that goes to Labour party members. There has not yet been a leadership challenge but speaking on the the 's Any Questions programme on Thursday, Burnham indicated strongly that he would stand for leader.

Watch: Burnham says he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest on Question TimeHe said: "I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I'd have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same. "Streeting has confirmed he would enter any potential contest and has encouraged people to back Burnham in Makerfield as he wants a "proper contest with the best candidates on the field".

Pressure has been mounting on the prime minister after a historically bad set of election results last month, in which Labour lost control of the Welsh Senedd, as well as nearly 1,500 councillors in England. Streeting and a handful of junior ministers quit the government in the aftermath, while Burnham, regarded as the frontrunner in any future leadership contest, set his sights on returning to Westminster in the Makerfield by-election. A full list of the candidates for the Makerfield by-election can be found here.

More on this storyHow would a Labour leadership contest work? The potential challengers to Keir StarmerIs it harder than ever to be prime minister?

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