Kier Starmer is planning to tell ministers to quit if they back Andy Burnham or any other rival in a Labour leadership contest according to a report in this morning’s Financial Times
The paper says that Sir Keir Starmer has effectively drawn a line in the sand.
Ministers now have a clear choice. Back Burnham and leave the government, or remain in government and accept collective responsibility under Starmer’s leadership.
Ministers who may have been trying to keep a foot in both camps must now choose between loyalty to the government they serve or support for a rival leadership candidate.
However it is also being reported that Andy Burnham is poised to delay any Labour leadership bid until after the battle to keep the Greater Manchester mayoralty in Labour hands, allies claim.
Sources say the Mayor wants to help Labour retain the role which will come under pressure from both the Greens and Refirm before making any move against Keir Starmer.
The date meanwhile has been set for the Mayoral vote should Burnham win the by election next week
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) said July 30 has been identified as the date any mayoral by-election would take place.
