Sir Keir Starmer’s authority is fading markedly after yet another scandal but an alternative candidate, such as Andy Burnham, could struggle to force a contest

I think they should move before the May elections if they’re serious. They shouldn’t wait till a terrible defeat forces them to act, especially if - as looks likely - Reform will be the beneficiaries of that defeat.

  • frankPodmore@slrpnk.netOPMEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    Also he’s relatively unknown outside of Manchester. So he’d have to have a big PR drive.

    Within the party, he’s very well-known, and running for PM is its own PR drive! But yeah, you are correct that the obstacles are considerable.

    • Echo Dot@feddit.uk
      2·
      2 days ago

      I wonder how many of his supporters are actually registered with the party. Traditionally there’s not been a lot of point registering with labour, them not being in power for so long.

      Also it’d be unlikely Starmer would endorse him so even if there was a free constituency, how would he get to be a labour candidate?

      • frankPodmore@slrpnk.netOPMEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        Yeah, the leadership have a pretty tight grip on who gets to run. If they suspect Burnham’s coming back to Westminster in order to take down the leadership, they can just block him from the candidacy. That comes with its own risks, but it’s obviously the best way to protect the leadership, so that’s what they’ll do!