Mahmood says Starmer 'not going' as Burnham allegedly seeks Westminster return

The Home Secretary has played down speculation that Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could be seeking a Westminster return, as part of a reported plan to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Shabana Mahmood said the Prime Minister is “not going”, and that Labour should instead “focus on the day job” of delivering for the public.

Burnham’s team has not denied that he is seeking to come back to Westminster, as rumours of a potential leadership challenge have intensified over recent weeks.

Andy Burnham’s team has not denied reports he is seeking a Westminster return. / Credit: PA

Speaking to broadcasters on Sunday, Mahmood suggested that “every single person” had thought about the top job, but added: “That is not the same as plotting to overthrow a prime minister for God’s sake.”

Asked whether she would consider a leadership bid if Starmer stepped down, Mahmood told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show: “Keir Starmer is not going.”

The Home Secretary, who has previously indicated she harbours ambitions for No 10, said: “The Prime Minister is getting on with doing his job.

“I am a member of his Government. I have a big job of my own to do, and that is the only thing I’m focused on.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, centre, was forced to deny plotting to unseat the Prime Minister, left, last month / Credit: PA

Health Secretary Wes Streeting was forced to deny plotting to unseat the Prime Minister last month after briefings against him in an apparent ploy to warn off potential leadership contenders.

Meanwhile, former Labour minister Burnham, who has repeatedly refused to rule out a tilt at the top job in recent months, is said to have identified a potential parliamentary seat from which to challenge Starmer.

The Mail On Sunday reported that Commons allies of the mayor had said they had found him a seat which was “likely to come free” in the coming months.

Burnham’s team declined to comment, although in an apparent reference to the speculation, the mayor posted on social media later: “Quite a lot of rubbish in the papers today.

“Reminds me why I left Westminster in the first place!”

Mahmood urged Labour MPs to help make sure “every single second that we have in government is precious.”

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to be the government of your country,” she said.

“We mustn’t waste a single second of our time in government doing anything other than delivering for the British people. “