- Andy Burnham 's team is reportedly making detailed plans for a Downing Street operation, with internal polling suggesting he will "win easily and actually embarrass Reform UK" in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, positioning him strongly for a leadership challenge.
- Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to face a wave of ministerial resignations following the Makerfield by-election result, a move intended to pressure him to step down, similar to the events that led to Boris Johnson's resignation.
- The expected resignations come amidst Sir Keir's already fragile authority, further weakened by the recent departures of defence secretary John Healey and Armed Forces minister Al Carns over military spending, with Healey accusing the Prime Minister of being "unwilling to commit the resources" needed for defence.
- Mr Burnham is reportedly sounding out candidates for cabinet roles, including Louise Haigh and Lucy Powell, and plans an overhaul of Downing Street communications, while deputy prime minister David Lammy and chief whip Jonathan Reynolds are among those expected to be sacked.
- Several high-profile figures, including foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and home secretary Shabana Mahmood, have reportedly told Sir Keir to resign, with many more ministers expected to consider their positions after the by-election result, indicating significant internal pressure for a leadership change.
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