Labour is organising a special webinar for members to chat with Starmer on Saturday. Swan song or getting ahead of Burnham…
Party members got an email last night:
“As a Labour member, you’re part of the change we’re building together and this Saturday, you’re invited to a special online meeting with the Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer. Two years ago, thanks to the hard work of members, this Labour Government won a mandate to change our country. This is your chance to hear directly from Keir on the work of the government so far, what’s coming up, and the part members like you will play.”
In addition Starmer presumably wants to start his appearance with soppy reminiscence about 2024:
“Make sure to tell us where you were on election day in 2024, what the result meant to you, and share one question you’d like Keir to answer when you sign up. Some of your responses will be shared during the meeting. And if you’d like to, send us a 30 second clip of your memories of the 2024 GE and what it meant for you.”
If things go badly enough for Burnham between now and a contest Starmer is the only other potential candidate that stands a chance with members according to YouGov polling, in which Starmer was on 37% compared to Andy’s 59%. It’s more likely that the PM stands aside at the last possible moment – but he’s keeping his options open…
Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked John Healey: “Just finally, I mean Andy Burnham has been very clear he wants Britain back in the European Union in his lifetime. Do you?”
The Chancellor replied: “I’m older than Andy Burnham. I don’t expect to see that.”