Labour Party tensions are simmering as a high-stakes byelection in Makerfield, England, threatens to expose deeper divisions within the party. According to reports, Andy Burnham, a prominent Labour figure, is planning to call party leader Keir Starmer this weekend to urge him to set a clear departure date. However, Starmer appears hesitant to engage with Burnham, saying he'll speak with him after the weekend. This reluctance echoes a similar situation involving Ed Miliband, who allegedly "ghosted" Starmer by declining to take his calls during a recent dispute over defence spending. As Labour faces the challenge of the Makerfield byelection, the party's leadership struggles may come to the forefront.
David Lammy accused Matt Vickers of ‘promoting conspiracies’ about the nature of the attackAndy Burnham may have trouble getting through to Keir Starmer if he tries ringing him after the Makerfield byelection to urge him to set a timetable for his departure. Burnham reportedly wants to call Starmer this weekend. (See 9.47am.) But, in his interview with Sky News, Starmer said: “I’m sure I’ll talk to Andy after the weekend.”If Starmer declines to take Burnham’s call, he may be following Ed Miliband’s example. In a Times story today, Patrick Maguire and Steven Swinford report:Sir Keir Starmer’s relationship with Ed Miliband has broken down to such an extent that the energy secretary has been accused of “ghosting” the prime minister in recent weeks.Senior government sources claimed that Miliband declined to take calls from the prime minister during a tense stand-off over defence spending. Continue reading...
