Labour Civil War Heats Up
A left-wing Labour MP has sensationally offered to resign his safe seat to clear the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Clive Lewis, 55, representing Norwich South, told BBC Politics Live on November 19, 2025, he’s ready to step aside. This bold move ratchets up party tensions just four months after Labour’s landslide election win.
“If I’m going to put country before party and party before personal ambition, then yes, I would stand down,” Lewis declared.
Burnham’s Route to Power
Burnham, 55, who served as Labour MP for Leigh before becoming Mayor of Greater Manchester, can’t challenge Starmer unless he’s an MP. Party rules demand candidates be sitting MPs backed by 20% of their parliamentary colleagues. Lewis’s resignation would trigger a by-election, offering Burnham a golden ticket back to Westminster.
Burnham came second in the 2015 Labour leadership race and often tops polls as the member-favourite alternative to Starmer. Sources close to the Tribune Group—a faction of around 80 soft-left MPs—say many are losing patience as Labour support slumps to just 20-25%, with Starmer’s approval rating in freefall.
Party Grandees Under Pressure
Lewis first called for Burnham to replace Starmer on Channel 4 News last week, urging Labour “grandees” and “men in grey suits” to act. “I don’t see how this can stagger on without resolution,” he said. Meanwhile, Starmer called for Cabinet unity on November 18 to clamp down on toxic leaks and rumours of leadership challenges, including those linked to Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Burnham’s camp remains tight-lipped but reportedly feels “flattered” by Lewis’s offer. Allies say the mayor “terrorizes Number 10” with his regional popularity and blunt criticisms of government policy.
Polls Collapse as Labour Crisis Deepens
YouGov’s latest flash poll pegs Labour support at a dismal 22%, down sharply after Cabinet clashes and damaging leaks. The Norwich South seat Lewis offers is a Labour stronghold, seen as an ideal springboard for Burnham’s parliamentary comeback and potential leadership bid.
Labour insiders admit leadership speculation is intensifying behind closed doors. One MP said, “It’s all about the polls. We can’t be below 20%. Patience is wearing thin.” Number 10, however, dismissed talk of a leadership challenge as mere media distractions.
As Starmer gears up for his November 26 Budget, Lewis’s offer marks the boldest sign yet of internal rebellion threatening Labour’s unity and future.
