Keir Starmer is facing another dramatic escalation in Labour’s internal power struggle, with reports claiming Downing Street is braced for the possibility that Ed Miliband could resign if the Prime Minister refuses to make way for Andy Burnham.
The latest turmoil comes as Burnham’s expected return to Westminster through the Makerfield by-election threatens to reshape the future of Labour politics. The Greater Manchester Mayor has long been viewed as one of the few figures with the public profile, northern support and party recognition to mount a serious challenge to Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer has tried to project strength, insisting he will not simply step aside if challenged. But behind the scenes, the mood inside Labour appears increasingly unstable. Reports suggest some ministers believe the Prime Minister may need to set out a timetable for departure if he wants to avoid a damaging civil war.
Ed Miliband has now been dragged to the centre of the drama. According to claims circulating in Westminster, Starmer’s allies fear the Energy Secretary could quit if the Prime Minister refuses to create space for Burnham. Such a resignation would be a major blow, not only because of Miliband’s senior role in government, but because of what it would signal about confidence in Starmer’s leadership.
Burnham’s team, however, is reportedly urging restraint. Rather than allowing ministers to resign immediately and plunge the government into chaos, his allies are said to prefer a more controlled transition. That suggests they believe Burnham’s position could strengthen after Makerfield without needing to trigger an instant political collapse.
Still, the pressure on Starmer is growing. Burnham has spoken about the by-election as a chance to change British politics, while his supporters argue Labour needs a new direction, stronger connection with working-class voters and a clearer answer to Reform UK’s rise.
For Starmer, the danger is obvious. If he offers Burnham a senior Cabinet role, it may look like an attempt to neutralise a rival. If he refuses to engage, he risks pushing Burnham’s supporters into open rebellion. And if senior ministers begin resigning, the crisis could quickly move beyond his control.
The Prime Minister’s allies insist he is prepared to fight. They argue that Labour cannot afford weeks of internal warfare and must focus on governing. But critics inside the party believe the situation has already gone too far, with some seeing Burnham as the natural successor if Starmer’s authority continues to weaken.
The coming days could prove decisive. A strong Burnham result in Makerfield may turn speculation into a serious leadership moment. A Miliband resignation, if it happened, could make that moment impossible for Downing Street to ignore.
Labour is now facing a brutal question: can Starmer survive the pressure, or is the party already preparing for life after him?
