Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warneed his parliamentary party on Tuesday that a leadership contest sparked by Andy Burnham would plunge the nation into chaos. The comment came ahead of the crucial Makerfield by‑election on Thursday, where voters will decide whether Burnham can mount a serious challeenge to Starry’s premiership.

Makerfield by‑election stakes on Thursday

More in Common’s latest poll shows Labour on 45 percent, Reform UK at 40 percent and the hard‑right splinter group Restore Britain at 8 percent, with up to 1,000 Restore supportres expected to turn out. The constituency has become the focal point of a broader intra‑party showdown, as Burnham plans a final major speech before the poll.

Starmer warns Burnham challenge will cause chaos

Speaking to the BBC, Starmer said, “I’m not going to go away… I don’t think we should plunge the country into the chaos of a leadership election.” He argued that any successor would inherit the same defence‑spending dilemmas and economic headwinds he faces, framing the fight as a matter of “deep sense of duty” rather than personal vanity. According to the source, the prime minister vowed to “fight any challenge” from Burnham.

Backbench revolt brands Starmer’s stance mental

Starmer’s warning was met with scorn from several Labour MPs. Two backbenchers called his position “mental,” while another said, “I don’t know what’s in the water at No 10, but they need to get it checked ASAP.” A fourth MP accused Starmer of “utterly insane obstinacy” and urged him to recognise the game is up for both him and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.. The dissent highlights growing frustration within the party over the leader’s refusal to step aside.

Will Burnham actually contest the leadership?

The source notes that Starmer will not visit Makerfield to support Burnham’s campaign, despite earlier expressing a desire to do so. Burnham’s last major public intervention is scheduled for tomorrow, but it remains unclear whether he will formally launch a leadership bid after the by‑election. The uncertainty fuels speculation about the timing and legitimacy of any challenge.

Restore Britain’s 1,000 supporters could tip Burnham

Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, a hard‑right splinter, is expected to field up to 1,000 voters in Makerfield. Analysts fear that this vote share could siphon enough support from Reform UK to allow Burnham to slip through the middle and claim a victory, reshaping the Labour leadership landscape.

According to the report, Starmer’s interview echoed his earlier criticism of former Prime Minister Liz Truss , accusing her of denial during her own crisis. The parallel underscores how leadership challenges are being framed as national emergencies by incumbents.