A key ally of Sir Keir Starmer has publicly pledged unwavering support for the Labour leader amidst growing speculation of a potential leadership challenge.
David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, declared his backing for the "resilient" Sir Keir, asserting that he must be allowed to "serve out his mandate" following the anticipated 2024 general election.
This strong endorsement from Mr Lammy follows reports that Sir Keir himself has told supporters he would "fight" in any leadership contest. This marks a notable hardening of his position, particularly since Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, made his own leadership ambitions clear, as initially reported by The Sun On Sunday.
Mr Burnham, who is also Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, confirmed his intention to enter any future leadership race during a recent BBC Question Time special held in the constituency.
When directly questioned on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips about his support for Sir Keir in such a scenario, Mr Lammy responded simply: "Yes."
“I co-chaired Keir Starmer’s campaign to become leader of the Labour Party. He got a massive mandate from the British people less than two years ago.
“He is the most resilient person I have ever met in my life.”
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Justice Secretary, added: “I think it’s important that he’s able to serve out his mandate,” but promised to continue campaigning for Mr Burnham in the Makerfield race.
Asked whether he will be telling the mayor to focus on his job and avoid a contest, Mr Lammy said: “Andy Burnham doesn’t need advice from me.
“We speak pretty regularly. He doesn’t need advice from me. I know him very well.”
Amid ongoing uncertainty about his future in No 10 following a disastrous set of local and devolved election results for Labour, Sir Keir warned against the distraction of “plunging into an internal fight” while global conflicts rage.
He told LBC on Friday: “We live in the most dangerous and volatile world in our lifetimes and that’s why I sincerely and profoundly believe that we should be getting on with the job that we were elected to do in 2024.”
The Makerfield by-election will take place on June 18.
