Thread 41 Starmer : "Alban Arthan" the returning of the light

[DuncinToffee]

Previous thread https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5461238-thread-40-starmer-prettig-kerstfeest-nollaig-shona-hyvaa-joulua-nadolig-llawen-god-jul-feliz-navidad-bouan-noue-nollaig-chridheil?page=40

Welcome to 2026 for political discussion, general chat and taxes in kind.

Oh lordy a favourable reply from Jolyon Maughan

https://bsky.app/profile/goodlawproject.org/post/3md6pk4ctu22w

I can remember when Our Andy was a Blairite

I'll put it another way - it was Sir Keir Starmer being leader of the Labour party which made me vote Labour.
And I am still happy.
I'll say it again - don't underestimate our PM.
I absolutely rate Angela Raynor and I think Andy Burnham seems to have done really well as Mayor and is very, very capable.
However , not many politicians are going to be able to act with the gravitas and integrity our PM has shown and is showing every day.
It is not the right time at all for all this jockeying for position and the right wing press have done us no favours by whipping up another storm.
IMO

At what point does Burnham have to stand down as mayor? Is it not until he is actually selected as candidate?

Always puts me off this conniving tbh though I otherwise may have thought Burnham good for a prominent role, even top role perhaps but after this term only - it’s a Tory habit that should be left in their capable (at this) hands.
I do think the country needs some stability although I don’t always agree with all that is done I don’t think there’s any need to start chopping and changing internally.
I also think Starmer has enough on with domestic and foreign matters without internal issues.
He’s doing so well on the international difficulties right now that I definitely want him to continue - I don’t actually think Burnham would do as well here and right now we need Starmer there and stable there.

Answering my own question, I think he only has to stand down if he wins the seat. So not so much of a risk for him. Though his reputation might take a dive.

Labour managing to fight amongst themselves again, instead of re focusing on the issues.

Burnham needs to stay as Mayor and leave the leadership alone, they all have enough problems and Burnham isn't going to solve Labours polling numbers and in any case, Labour are polling just 5pts behind Reform according to YouGov on the 19th Jan & 1pt ahead of the Cons, thats pretty good.

Serve him right if he loses (assuming he gets to stand)

I would expect that would be after he'd won the seat.

I think he has to stand down in order to become a candidate. It’s one hell of a gamble.

An email seen by LabourList to party members in the North West makes specific reference to the requirement for directly elected mayors to seek permission from the NEC before seeking nomination as a candidate.

The deadline to seek permission is tomorrow (January 24) at 5pm.

The form that mayors and PPCs seeking permission to stand includes the question: What organisational and electoral risks do you anticipate there might be for the Labour Party if permission were granted and you were subsequently elected to the House of Commons, requiring you to resign from your current position?

So, suggests he has to stand down only if he wins the seat?

Gorton and Denton by-election: Labour begins search for candidate - LabourList https://share.google/socJHPvN3mDdKVjEZ

So it seems the Bojo playbook is being dusted off.

Marina is spot on as usual.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/23/andy-burnham-labour-king-westminster-crown

I've got that email and it's no surprise. It was specifically for Cheshire East.

Burnham has put his hat into the ring. My WhatsApp is alive with the sound of music.

And IF he gets selected, I'm happy to door knock.

I can remember when our Jenrick was a Remainer.

Let's remind ourselves of why Corbyn didn't win.

May giving a £2 billion bung to the now almost defunct DUP, and Johnson given the stand down from Farage.

Hence Starmer voted as leader.

Good piece from Marina in the Guardian.
I would say that 'cos I agree with her!
Westminster said no to Andy Burnham twice already.

Just to underscore the pace of change (props as always to Harold Wilson) here's 12 days ago from the last thread.

I don't really know that much about Burnham other than his Mayorship and football team.

Will have to do some research, starting with the article posted above

On reflection, I am fucking ecstatic that Burnham is running.

May this be the end of Starmer and ultimately this abomination of a government.

It has been a good day.

You didn't last long 😅

Isn't Manchester supposed to be quite well run ? Buses and all that ?

Oh dear, we’re getting visitors again.

Marina is being ultra sarcastic.

Is very much a Starmer pet.

Nurse!

I know.