Labour Ministers Plot 'Trojan Horse' Strategy to Position Andy Burnham as Starmer’s Successor Ministers are reportedly devising a plan to facilitate Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster as a potential successor to Keir Starmer, using a strategic by-election to avoid a disruptive leadership contest. The move, likened to the Trojan Horse myth, aims to provide Starmer with a final chance to revive Labour’s fortunes while positioning Burnham as a ready-made replacement if needed. Ministers are reportedly discussing a strategic plan to position Andy Burnham as a potential successor to Keir Starmer following the local elections. The scheme, likened to the mythical Trojan Horse, involves a sympathetic Labour MP from the north west stepping down as early as next week to create a pathway for Burnham’s return to Westminster. In exchange for their continued support, ministers would pressure Starmer to lift his opposition to Burnham’s candidacy. Burnham would then be required to publicly pledge loyalty to Starmer, preventing an immediate leadership challenge. Proponents of the plan argue it would prevent a disruptive leadership contest and give Starmer a final opportunity to revive Labour’s fortunes.However, it also positions Burnham as a ready-made successor should Starmer’s leadership falter in the coming months. Cabinet ministers advocating the plan claim it will be presented to Starmer as the best chance to salvage his premiership. One source noted that Burnham’s potential by-election victory is not guaranteed, and Starmer could use this uncertainty to buy time to improve Labour’s polling.Another Burnham supporter stated that Starmer cannot indefinitely block Burnham’s return, emphasizing that once Burnham is in Parliament, he would be strategically positioned to succeed Starmer if necessary. A third source described Burnham as a Trojan Horse, suggesting his presence would end internal party strife by providing a clear successor, thus averting immediate civil war. The metaphor of the Trojan Horse, a deceptive gift used by Greek forces to infiltrate Troy, underscores the perceived duality of the plan.Downing Street is bracing for a potential leadership challenge after the expected Labour losses in the local elections. However, key figures like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner are hesitant to launch a direct challenge, fearing it could harm their political prospects. Allies of Starmer have dismissed the idea of endorsing Burnham’s return, citing his recent rejection by Labour’s National Executive Committee. They also refuted claims that the NEC has shifted its stance to support Burnham.A Labour source criticized Burnham’s plan as unrealistic, stating he has not secured any new support from the NEC since his last rejection. MPs Peter Dowd and Marie Rimmer are rumored to be willing to step aside for Burnham, though both have publicly denied such intentions. With Reform UK expected to perform strongly in Labour’s traditional Red Wall seats, any by-election would pose significant risks.Steve Wright, general secretary of the Labour-affiliated Fire Brigades Union, predicted Starmer would become a 'sitting duck' after the elections, which are expected to result in substantial Labour losses across England, Scotland, and Wales. Wright suggested Labour’s performance might have been better if Starmer had resigned months earlier, adding that his departure is now inevitable. Communities Secretary Steve Reed, however, dismissed the leadership speculation as 'psychodrama,' arguing that Labour should avoid the Conservative-style leadership churn that distracts from governance.He emphasized that most Labour MPs are focused on addressing issues important to the public rather than engaging in internal power struggles