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Keir Starmer aides ‘war-gaming’ leadership contest with Andy Burnham
UK NewsPolitics•June 10, 2026 at 7:49 PMNational

Keir Starmer aides ‘war-gaming’ leadership contest with Andy Burnham

By Pippa Crerar,Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot•The Guardian - UK News

Prime minister is ‘hellbent’ on fighting any contest, even if his future may be out of his hands, sources sayUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer’s closest aides are “war-gaming” how to win a leadership contest ahead of Andy Burnham’s much-anticipated return to Westminster if he wins the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian understands.Downing Street sources said the prime minister had taken the last fortnight to think seriously about his future but was now “hellbent” on fighting any contest. His team is working through various scenarios, including sacking ministers who publicly support Burnham. Continue reading...

Prime minister is ‘hellbent’ on fighting any contest, even if his future may be out of his hands, sources say

Keir Starmer’s closest aides are “war-gaming” how to win a leadership contest ahead of Andy Burnham’s much-anticipated return to Westminster if he wins the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian understands.

Downing Street sources said the prime minister had taken the last fortnight to think seriously about his future but was now “hellbent” on fighting any contest. His team is working through various scenarios, including sacking ministers who publicly support Burnham.

Continue reading...