Story perspectives

Labour Leader Starmer Faces Pressure as Burnham Emerges

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, faces intensified scrutiny after a BMG Research poll shows a record net rating of -49.
Over half of Britons want a new Labour leader, with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, as the preferred successor.
Burnham's exclusion from the Gorton and Denton by-election has been cited as strengthening his position.
Angela Rayner is reportedly preparing a leadership bid and has secured substantial financial backing.

History

Historical Context

The Labour Party's leftward shift began with Jeremy Corbyn's election as leader in September 2015, following Ed Miliband's resignation after the party's defeat in the general election. Corbyn's leadership saw a surge in membership, peaking at over 500,000, but also record low approval ratings. Today, Sir Keir Starmer faces similar challenges, with over half of Britons seeking new leadership amid ongoing internal divisions.

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Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, faces intensified scrutiny after a BMG Research poll shows a record net rating of -49.
Over half of Britons want a new Labour leader, with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, as the preferred successor.
Burnham's exclusion from the Gorton and Denton by-election has been cited as strengthening his position.
Angela Rayner is reportedly preparing a leadership bid and has secured substantial financial backing.

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