Burnham faces calls for leadership contest as polls show public doubt

24 June 2026 , 11:01

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Burnham faces calls for leadership contest as polls show public doubt

Brits want to see a Labour leadership contest rather than a coronation for Andy Burnham, new polling seen by media reveals.

Fresh data from Ipsos shows that nearly four in ten (39 per cent) want a contest, compared to 13 per cent who want to see him simply take over.

But they are more optimistic about him being a good prime minister, with 35 per cent thinking he would do a good job, while 24 per cent say he would perform badly.

And out of a list of UK politicians including Green Party leader Zack Polanski, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the new Makerfield MP tops the list among the public for who would do the best job.

Worryingly, nearly two in three (62 per cent) are not confident the Labour Party can provide strong and stable leadership.

The polling, which was mostly conducted just before Sir Keir Starmer resigned as PM, also shows a boost for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, with 29 per cent thinking she would do a good job — ahead of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on 27 per cent.

Ipsos Director of Politics Keiran Pedley said: “Given that Andy Burnham is seen as more likely to do a good job as Prime Minister than Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, it is reasonable to suggest that a Burnham-led Labour Party could improve in the polls once he takes office.

“However, given that six in ten lack confidence that Labour can offer strong and stable leadership, there is work to do for the expected incoming Prime Minister to show that Labour has the answers for the long term.”

Mr Burnham and Sir Keir held talks yesterday for over an hour away from Westminster, as the civil service began access talks with him.

The former Manchester mayor is currently the only candidate to have declared a leadership bid, with many Labour MPs, including Mr Streeting, backing him.

Mr Burnham is now working to shape his plan for the country, appointing key figures to his team and outlining priorities for government.

Darren Jones, the PM’s chief secretary, had considered running but has since ruled it out.

The only other potential contender appears to be Al Carns, the former armed forces minister, who has not yet ruled out a bid.

The prime minister is due to attend PMQs today in the House of Commons before heading to Berlin for an E3 meeting, as attention turns to his final weeks in office.

He is expected to press ahead with plans to publish the long-awaited defence investment plan as early as next week.

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief