Andy Burnham: Is “King in the North” trying to take Starmer’s throne?
This Is Why
Sky News
4.0 • 552 Ratings
🗓️ 15 September 2025
⏱️ 18 minutes
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Summary
The details that have emerged about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the Angela Rayner tax scandal and Labour's perceived lack of direction by some in the party have all put pressure on Sir Keir - with a growing number of MPs said to be feeling he has until May's local elections to turn things around.
It's the biggest threat to his leadership so far and a somewhat familiar name is reportedly preparing to try and replace him.
Allies of Andy Burnham – the “King in the North” who’s currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester – have launched a new campaign group, Mainstream, calling on the government to introduce a wealth tax, nationalise utility companies and end the two-child benefit cap.
Who is Andy Burnham and how plausible is it that he could replace Sir Keir? How fragile is the prime minister’s position and what would a Labour leadership election look like?
Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester and a senior fellow at UK in a Changing Europe.
Producer: Natalie Ktena & Emily Hulme
Editor: Mike Bovill
Transcript
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