Keir Starmer aides ‘war gaming’ over leadership contest with Andy Burnham

Keir Starmer's senior aides are reportedly strategizing for a potential leadership contest against Andy Burnham, should Burnham win the Makerfield byelection and return to Westminster. Sources within Downing Street indicate that the Prime Minister has spent the past two weeks contemplating his political future and is now determined to contest any leadership challenge. The Prime Minister's team is actively exploring various scenarios, including the possibility of dismissing ministers who publicly endorse Andy Burnham's leadership bid. This internal "war-gaming" suggests a proactive approach by Starmer's camp to secure his position against a strong challenger.