Andy Burnham 'wargames' holding snap general election if he becomes prime minister - and reveals the Labour MP he wants for Chancellor
Labour insiders have voiced alarm that Andy Burnham is already 'wargaming' a snap general election and assembling a fantasy Cabinet.The Greater Manchester Mayor has been warned against taking the Makerfield by-election for granted amid mounting signs allies are plotting his first steps as PM. Despite facing a tough challenge from Reform in the seat, plans are said to be in place for calling a national poll if he has a 'honeymoon' period after taking over from Keir Starmer.There is also frenzied jostling over who would be in his Cabinet, with speculation that Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood are both in the frame to become Chancellor. Mr Burnham has been making little secret of his intention to challenge Sir Keir, who has faced a wave of anger after disastrous local elections.In a campaign video last week he told Makerfield voters they could make the constituency the 'most powerful in the land' by putting him in the Commons. Andy Burnham took part in the Great Manchester Run today as he gears up for his attempt to become PM
In the latest sign Team Burnham is already laying plans for his premiership, a senior Labour source told the Sun: 'Andy considering an early general election. They are wargaming it. But Labour MPs would absolutely hate it. They are worried about losing their seats.'If Andy becomes PM I expect he will have to promise the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) that he will not call a snap election. They will want him to sign the pledge in blood.'A loyalist Labour MP told the Daily Mail that the plotting could backfire by solidifying support for Sir Keir.'Hopefully it might make colleagues pause for thought,' the MP said. A worried senior Labour source suggested Mr Burnham also risked a backlash by presuming support from voters in Makerfield.The only poll of the campaign so far has shown the former Cabinet minister effectively neck and neck with Reform, despite his name recognition in the Greater Manchester area. The source said: 'Surely their answer to every question - about future elections, policies or Cabinet appointments - should be: "Our sole focus is on winning this by-election, everything else depends on that, and nothing else is worth discussing until that has been achieved."' Mr Burnham has been making little secret of his intention to challenge Sir Keir, who has faced a wave of anger after disastrous local elections Today, Burnham, who was drenched in sweat, posed for selfies during the run Mr Burnham, who has spent recent weeks campaigning in Makerfield, has used public appearances to distance himself from the current Labour leadership and present himself as an alternative vision for the party.He has argued that Britain has spent decades on the wrong economic course and has repeatedly called for Labour to reconnect with working-class voters.Reports suggest preparations are already underway behind the scenes for a possible transition of power.Sources claim Buckingham Palace has been approached to establish whether there would be any constitutional objections to a second King's Speech being held later this year should a new Prime Minister seek to introduce a fresh legislative programme.Such a move would be highly unusual and would signal a clear break from the agenda on which Labour won the 2024 general election.However, how radical Mr Burnham could be is open to question as he has committed to abide by Labour's manifesto, and to stick to Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules. Ms Mahmood is expected to play a central role in any future Burnham administration.The Home Secretary was among senior Cabinet ministers who reportedly urged Starmer to outline a timetable for his departure during tense discussions earlier this month.A senior party source said: 'Shabana is meant to have done a deal with Andy to be his Chancellor.'That is why she let it be known she had told Keir to go. She was manoeuvring to get a big job.'Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is also expected to return to frontline government under a Burnham leadership, with insiders suggesting she would be handed a senior Cabinet portfolio. An early poll has suggested next month's Makerfield by-election is on a knife edge, with Mr Burnham trying to fend off Reform UK's candidate, Rob Kenyon (right) Lucy Powell is likewise tipped for a prominent role.Mr Burnham is also said to be receiving advice from Sue Gray, Starmer's former chief of staff whose departure from Downing Street last year fuelled accusations of factionalism within Labour.Meanwhile, Josh Simons, the Labour MP who vacated the Makerfield seat to enable Mr Burnham's return to Westminster, is reportedly expected to receive a government position should the mayor's ambitions be realised.Although supporters believe Mr Simons could secure an influential policy role in Downing Street, some insiders suggest a peerage and a move to the House of Lords may be more likely.Neither Mr Burnham nor members of his team have publicly commented on the claims.
