STARMER SIGNALS CABINET ROLE FOR BURNHAM IF HE WINS BY-ELECTION

Sir Keir Starmer has indicated he would offer Andy Burnham a Cabinet position if Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election. Speaking at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, the Prime Minister said he would contact Burnham "after the weekend" once results are declared. Starmer described Burnham as a "huge asset" to the Labour Party and said he hoped Burnham would "play a big part in the Labour government". The Prime Minister stated he is not considering stepping down, saying he does not feel "angry" or "bitter" over the current situation.

Burnham serves as Greater Manchester Mayor and previously worked closely with Starmer early in Starmer's political career. Should Burnham win the by-election, he is expected to return to Westminster as an MP. Starmer has ruled out any circumstances under which he would resign, stating that parties spending time on leadership elections do not go on to win general elections. When pressed repeatedly on whether he would step aside, Starmer said: "I'm not going to walk away. I am going to fight."

Starmer's comments represent an attempt to secure Burnham's support ahead of the Makerfield by-election result. The Prime Minister's explicit offer of a Cabinet role marks a significant gesture towards a potential rival within the Labour Party. The by-election result is expected this week.