Lammy Backs Starmer as Labour Tensions Rise
David Lammy has insisted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will continue leading the government without setting any timetable for stepping down, as Labour faces growing internal tensions following poor local election results.
Speaking on Monday, Lammy warned Labour MPs and party figures to stop damaging infighting, saying the party risked losing the next general election if recent divisions continued. He described the past 10 days as a “spectacular own goal” for Labour.
Lammy said Starmer remained determined to continue in office despite mounting speculation about his future.
“Keir Starmer remains the most resilient person I know,” Lammy said. “There will be no timetables. What there is is getting on with the business of Government.”
The foreign secretary also confirmed he would fully support Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, which Burnham is expected to contest as part of a potential future leadership bid.
Tensions inside Labour have intensified after former health secretary Wes Streeting announced he would enter any future leadership race and suggested Britain should eventually return to the European Union. His comments reportedly angered Burnham allies, who fear the issue could hurt Labour in the Brexit-supporting constituency of Makerfield and benefit Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
Lammy avoided expressing personal support for rejoining the EU, saying the government remained committed to its Brexit position under collective Cabinet responsibility.
Burnham also attempted to distance his campaign from the EU debate, saying there may be a “long-term case” for closer ties with Europe but stressing that rejoining the bloc was not part of his by-election platform.
Meanwhile, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy criticised Streeting for focusing heavily on Europe, arguing that simply returning to pre-Brexit arrangements was not the answer to Britain’s current challenges.
Reform UK has already begun targeting Burnham over his previous pro-EU comments. Farage accused him of supporting policies linked to free movement and immigration, signalling that Brexit and border control are likely to become major themes in the Makerfield campaign.
Questions also remain over whether Starmer would formally contest any leadership challenge. Although he has publicly stated he intends to continue, both Nandy and Lammy stopped short of explicitly confirming he would stand in a future leadership race, instead emphasising his focus on governing.
Lammy concluded by reiterating his support for the Prime Minister, saying Starmer remained committed to “delivering in Government” on behalf of the British public.
