Starmer tells supporters he will fight any leadership contest

Sir Keir Starmer has told supporters this weekend he will stand in any Labour leadership contest that is triggered.

Until now, the prime minster. his allies insisted he would not walk away if one was held but there has been a big question mark over what he would actually do.

However. after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he would seek to enter any potential leadership contest, Sir Keir's position hardened, the BBC understands - telling his supporters he would fight any challenge.

The prime minister, who still believes a leadership contest could plunge the country into chaos, said he had won a massive majority two years ago. a mandate that he was determined to deliver.

With former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Burnham circling, and scores of Labour MPs having urged the prime minister to quit, there have been weeks of speculation about a possible challenge.

Much of what happens next depends on the outcome of the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. which Burnham must win to be able to stand in a leadership contest.

But theprime minister's resolve to fightmeans the chances of a full-blown Labour leadership scrap seem to have risen.

As the sitting Labour leader hewould automatically be on the ballotthat goes to Labour party members.

There has not yet been a leadership challenge. speaking on the the BBC's Question Time programme on Thursday, Burnhamindicated strongly that he would stand for leader.

He said: "I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest. so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I'd have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same."

Streeting has confirmedhe would enter any potential contestand has encouraged people to back Burnham in Makerfield as he wants a "proper contest with the best candidates on the field".

Pressure has been mounting on the prime minister aftera historically bad set of election results last month. in which Labour lost control of the Welsh Senedd, as well as nearly 1,500 councillors in England.

Streeting. a handful of junior ministers quit the government in the aftermath, while Burnham, regarded as the frontrunner in any future leadership contest, set his sights on returning to Westminster inthe Makerfield by-election.

A full list of the candidates for the Makerfield by-election can be found here.