MP stands aside to give Andy Burnham route to become Prime Minister

The route is on.

Former minister Josh Simons has said that he will stand aside in his Makerfield seat in Greater Manchester triggering a by-election which he wants Burnham to contest and win.

It's widely believed that the mayor of Greater Manchester wants to challenge Keir Starmer to become Labour Leader.

Burnham would have to win the by-election first before being able to run for leader.

Simons posted to X: "For decades, Westminster has overseen the managed decline of towns like mine… We have lost the trust of those our party was built to serve.

"It is my unwavering belief that nothing short of urgent, radical, courageous reform will make a difference. That must start with a change in leadership.

"Today, I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield. I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for."

He added it's "not been an easy decision" to stand down but that "we all must make choices".

He said: "In recent days I found myself with a difficult one: defend the status quo or step forward and act. I have made my choice."

He concluded his announcement, saying: "Andy is the one to lead."

Polling from Labour List has shown that Streeting would likely lose to Starmer – and it wouldn’t even be close.

In a straight choice between the two men, 53% of Labour members said they would vote for Starmer whilst just 23% said they would choose Streeting.

The numbers aren’t so positive for the PM when it comes to other match-ups though.

Starmer would lose by a wide margin to Burnham (61% to 28%) and would come on the wrong end of contests against Rayner (45% to 42%) and Miliband (46% to 39%).

It is likely to take a while before the Labour leadership drama sorts itself out. In his resignation letter, Streeting did not call for a quick contest, instead writing that it should have “the best possible field of candidates.”

Polling from Labour List has shown that Streeting would likely lose to Starmer – and it wouldn’t even be close.

In a straight choice between the two men, 53% of Labour members said they would vote for Starmer whilst just 23% said they would choose Streeting.

The numbers aren’t so positive for the PM when it comes to other match-ups though.

Starmer would lose by a wide margin to Burnham (61% to 28%) and would come on the wrong end of contests against Rayner (45% to 42%) and Miliband (46% to 39%).

It is likely to take a while before the Labour leadership drama sorts itself out. In his resignation letter, Streeting did not call for a quick contest, instead writing that it should have “the best possible field of candidates.”

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