Back Andy and get sacked: Starmer 'ultimatum' to Cabinet ministers as he braces for leadership battle 'in weeks' if Burnham wins by-election

By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 09:18, 10 June 2026 | Updated: 09:22, 10 June 2026 Keir Starmer set to warn ministers they will be sacked for backing Andy Burnham in any Labour leadership contest. The PM has been vowing to fight a challenge - which could come within weeks if the Greater Manchester Mayor wins the Makerfield by-election next Thursday. He is expected to up the stakes by making clear that anyone who supports Mr Burnham's effort to oust him will have to quit Cabinet. The tough line threatens to plunge Labour deeper into chaos. A full-blown battle for the top job could leave the Government paralysed for months, with markets watching nervously for signs of a lurch to the Left.  Mr Burnham has effectively confirmed he will launch a tilt for the top job if he manages to return to the Commons, although allies are split over how quickly he should attack.  But Sir Keir has been rushing through a blizzard of policies in the hopes of convincing MPs he can still recover. Keir Starmer has been vowing to fight a challenge - which could come within weeks if the Greater Manchester Mayor wins the Makerfield by-election next Thursday Sir Keir is expected to up the stakes by making clear that anyone who supports Mr Burnham's effort to oust him will have to quit Cabinet The premier has been calling in groups of ministers to hammer home the message that he will not go quietly.  And allies have been emphasising that careers will be on the line when people choose a side.  One official told the Financial Times: 'Number 10 has been making it known that if there is a contest you will be expected to resign from the government if you want to support someone else.'  No10 sources suggested people were 'getting ahead of themselves' before the by-election has even happened.   Relations between the premier and Mr Burnham are thought to be frosty, reducing the chances that he will leave No10 voluntarily. Even if a contest is triggered the PM would be able to stand without needing to get 80 nominations from MPs - although many still doubt he would want to go through the humiliating process of hustings this summer.  Former health secretary Wes Streeting has also indicated he wants to be a candidate. Labour MPs and activists have been flooding Makerfield as the critical contest enters its final stages.  They include Angela Rayner, who stoked speculation of an alliance with Mr Burnham. A poll last week suggested Mr Burnham is ten points ahead of his Reform rival, although the outcome could rest on whether Right-wing voters split to back the Restore candidate.  Mr Burnham has effectively confirmed he will launch a tilt for the top job if manages to return to the Commons, although allies are split over how quickly he should attack No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.