Starmer will still face leadership contest if Burnham loses by-election, Jess Phillips says

May 25, 2026 · 1:31 PM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 37 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Jess Phillips has stated that Keir Starmer will likely face a leadership challenge regardless of the outcome of the Makerfield by-election, where Andy Burnham is a candidate. Despite Burnham being seen as a potential successor, Phillips believes a change in leadership is inevitable. This comes amid significant pressure on Starmer following poor local election results and multiple resignations from his cabinet.

Key facts

▪Jess Phillips believes Keir Starmer will still face a leadership contest even if Andy Burnham loses the by-election.
▪Starmer has faced immense pressure after disastrous results in local elections.
▪Almost 100 of Starmer's MPs have called for his resignation, leading to multiple ministerial resignations.

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Original publisher	The Independent
Canonical URL	https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jess-phillips-starmer-burnham-by-election-b2983118.html
Publication time	Mon, 25 May 2026 13:31:25 GMT
Retrieval time	2026-05-25T13:37:37.815Z
Last seen	2026-05-25T13:37:37.815Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

NewsUKUK PoliticsStarmer will still face leadership contest if Burnham loses by-election, Jess Phillips saysThe Mayor of Greater Manchester may be the favourite to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister if he wins in Makerfield but that byelection is no sure thingAthena Stavrou Political Reporter Monday 25 May 2026 14:31 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2983118","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jess-phillips-starmer-burnham-by-election-b2983118.html","title":"Starmer will still face leadership contest if…

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