Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
Exclusive: Marie Rimmer backs Keir Starmer and deals blow to Greater Manchester mayor’s byelection hopes UK politics live – latest updates Andy Burnham’s hopes of returning to Westminster were dealt a blow on Tuesday as the Merseyside MP whose seat had been named by key allies for a potential byelection said she would not stand down and backed Keir Starmer to stay in office. Marie Rimmer, the MP for St Helens South and Whiston, said the mayor of Greater Manchester had not spoken to her “in years
Assurances being sought that Greater Manchester mayor could stand for byelection, though MP Marie Rimmer says she will not stand aside
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Allies of Andy Burnham have warned against a “coronation” for Wes Streeting as the next prime minister and called on Labour’s ruling body to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to stand for the leadership.
As Keir Starmer attempted to face down mounting calls for his resignation on Tuesday, sources close to Burnham demanded immediate assurances from Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) that he would not be blocked from contesting a parliamentary byelection.
Coverage from 2 sources
- Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand asideGuardian - World · Josh Halliday North of England editor · May 12, 2026, 9:07 AM
- Burnham allies warn against quick ‘coronation’ of Streeting if Starmer quitsGuardian - World · Josh Halliday North of England editor · May 12, 2026, 2:57 PM
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