Majority Labour Members Back Andy Burnham Over Keir Starmer in Leadership Poll

Recent polling reveals strong support among Labour Party members for Andy Burnham over current leader Keir Starmer, with a YouGov poll showing 62% backing Burnham in a hypothetical leadership contest. Despite Burnham's popularity among members, his public criticism of Starmer and calls for a debate on the party's direction have sparked backlash from Starmer loyalists and some Labour insiders, who question Burnham's political consistency and tactics. Another Survation poll indicates that Burnham would receive 43% of first preference votes if he could run, making him the clear front-runner despite significant obstacles such as the lack of a parliamentary seat. Burnham's critics argue that his approach risks damaging his own brand and the party's unity, while Burnham counters that calls for unquestioning loyalty underestimate the serious challenges Labour faces. Meanwhile, Starmer remains dismissive of leadership challenges, even as his approval ratings among voters remain historically low. The Labour Party finds itself divided over leadership and strategy as it prepares for future elections.