Rachael Maskell MP backs Andy Burnham for prime minister

Rachael Maskell backed the Greater Manchester mayor to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader after the party’s disastrous election results in England, Scotland and Wales.

It comes after the Labour MP said Sir Keir “cannot continue” as prime minister.

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, speaks during the pro-Palestinian rally in York on Saturday (May 23) (Image: Dylan Connell)

Speaking at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in St Helen’s Square on Saturday (My 23) where Ms Maskell called for unity, the York Central told The Press she believed Mr Burnham is a “politician who is unique in our age”.

“And I believe he really can bring this hope,” she said. “When I’ve been talking to people on the streets of York, they also want Andy to be in Number 10.

“So, I’ll be going over and supporting him and ensuring that we do everything we can to make that happen.”

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Ms Maskell said she would be pressing Mr Burnham to ensure he supports York if he returns to Parliament after the Makerfield by-election, which would pave the way for his leadership bid.

She said she would tell Mr Burnham that “as a city, often we’re [York] very overlooked – people see us having a lot of privilege, but there’s a lot of depravation too. I want to ensure that we can address the inequalities that we face.”

“We can really show what unity is like – as a human rights city, as a city which really does advocate for high standards of peace and unity, I think we can demonstrate the kind of society we all want to live in,” the MP added.

Mr Burnham launched his Makerfield campaign on Friday, saying “a vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change Labour”.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting also set out policies in his leadership bid including a wealth tax to bring back the New Labour-era Sure Start programme and planning reforms to fund council homes to prevent children growing up in temporary accommodation.

The prime minister, who has insisted he will not walk away from No 10 if Mr Burnham wins the June 18 by-election and triggers a leadership contest, has sought to highlight his own record.

“We now have the fastest-growing economy in the G7, net migration has fallen and NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level in three-and-a-half years,” Sir Keir said.

“Our plan is working. And as summer begins, we are going further to bring down the cost of living and make life easier for families, so they have more room to enjoy it.

“This government will keep pushing forward to deliver the change the country voted for.”