Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged Labour MPs to focus on delivering for the public, pushing back against intensifying speculation about Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Her comments came Sunday as fresh reports emerged about Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seeking a return to Westminster.
Mahmood appeared on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show and Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme to address the mounting rumors. She stated firmly: «Keir Starmer is not going.» The Home Secretary emphasized that while ambition exists within the party, it differs fundamentally from plotting. «That is not the same as plotting to overthrow a prime minister for God's sake,» she said.
The speculation centers on Burnham, who left Westminster in 2017 to become Manchester's mayor. Reports suggest his allies have identified potential parliamentary seats in the North West for his return. Only sitting MPs can contest Labour leadership under party rules.
Burnham dismissed the reports Sunday morning on social media. «Quite a lot of rubbish in the papers today. Reminds me why I left Westminster in the first place!» he wrote.
Party Under Pressure
Mahmood stressed the rarity of Labour governments and called for unity across the party. «Labour governments don't come along very often, and every minute that we have in government is precious,» she told Sky News. «It's a privilege to be in government. I'm focused on the big job that I have as Home Secretary, and my advice to all colleagues everywhere would be that it's a precious privilege, and we mustn't waste a single minute of it.»
The Home Secretary extended her appeal beyond cabinet members. «Wherever you sit in the Labour family, we all have a role to play in supporting the Labour Government deliver for the people of this country,» she said.
Electoral Context
The speculation intensifies ahead of May elections in Scotland, Wales and English local authorities. Opinion polls suggest challenging results for Labour, which has seen its popularity decline since taking office. Some within the party fear poor election performance could trigger a leadership challenge.
Several MPs expressed frustration about the timing of renewed speculation. One Labour MP supporting Burnham told the Mail on Sunday: «It's happening. We are on the brink of securing a seat which is likely to come free shortly and where the polls say Andy would beat Reform.»
The Gorton and Denton constituency, currently held by Andrew Gwynne, is reportedly the target seat. Gwynne was suspended by Labour in February over offensive WhatsApp messages and is on long-term sick leave. He told The Times in September he intends to serve his full term.
Broader Tensions
Last month saw a damaging briefing war between Number 10 and Health Secretary Wes Streeting over suggestions of leadership ambitions. Deputy Leader Lucy Powell has also called for party unity, warning in The Mirror that disunity could empower opponents like Reform.
Mahmood told broadcasters that «every single person» had considered the top job, acknowledging natural ambition within politics. But she insisted the Prime Minister remains focused on his responsibilities and she concentrates solely on her role as Home Secretary.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
