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Andy Burnham hints at Labour leadership bid after landslide reelection as Manchester mayor

Watch: Andy Burnham re-elected as mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham has hinted at running for Labour leader after his landslide reelection as Manchester mayor.

The Labour politician won 69% of the vote this week despite the party suffering heavy election losses elsewhere.

Burnham won more than 473,000 votes – twice as many as his Tory opponent Laura Evans.

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After his victory, Burnham hinted that he would run for Labour leader in Westminster again.

The mayor, who has lost the party’s leadership race twice before, in 2010 and 2015, told Sky News: “In the distant future, if the party were ever to feel it needed me, well I’m here and they should get in touch.”

But he also said he was currently focussed on Greater Manchester rather than returning to Westminster as an MP to stand as head of the Labour party.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham leaves Golborne Library, Golborne, Warrington, after casting his vote in the Manchester Mayoral election. Picture date: Thursday May 6, 2021.
Andy Burnham leaves Golborne Library in Warrington after casting his vote in the Manchester mayoral election. (PA)

Burnham initially sparked speculation that he may consider putting his hat in the ring for Labour again during his victory speech on Saturday.

Addressing the party’s disappointing performance in the elections so far, he said “they” need to change rather than “we”.

Burnham also said the party needs to do some “soul searching” to understand why it has “lost an emotional connection with parts of the country”.

Watch: 'Labour took Hartlepool seat for granted'

His reelection in Manchester was one of the few Labour successes of this year’s local elections.

The Conservatives took former Labour stronghold Hartlepool in a by-election – a parliamentary seat that Labour has held since it was created in 1974.

Social media users were quick to comment on the prospect of Burnham running for Labour leader again.

While some pointed out his past failings in the leadership race, others said they see him as the person who can “lead the party forward”.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer leaving his north London home following the result in the Hartlepool parliamentary by-election. Picture date: Friday May 7, 2021.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer leaving his north London home following the result in the Hartlepool parliamentary by-election. (PA)

Labour councillor Ali Milani said: “Andy Burnham has shown many in the Labour party how it’s done. Politics with a why.

“With beliefs, with passion, with authenticity. Congratulations @AndyBurnhamGM.”

Writer and political commentator Mike Williams tweeted: “Congratulations to Andy Burnham, the one person that, for me, truly represents Labour values and the people. The one MP who could lead the party forward.”

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Labour MP attacks Starmer and Rayner after party humiliated
Labour candidate marches off stage in silence after Hartlepool by-election loss

Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt also expressed his support for Burnham running for Labour leader, tweeting: “I reckon (if he wants it) Andy Burnham will become Labour party leader (thank god) within the next six years and PM soon after. Unless serfdom persists at it’s alarming rate."

It comes as Labour leader Keir Starmer faces heavy criticism for failing to rebuild trust in the party after the landslide defeat in the 2019 election.

After seeing another pillar in its once impregnable “red wall” fall to the Tories in Hartlepool, the Labour leader told his party to “stop quarrelling among ourselves” and address the needs of the country.

The bruising result – described as “absolutely shattering” by one shadow cabinet minister – prompted calls from across the party for a change of direction.

Watch: Sir Keir Starmer to hold Labour reshuffle amid backlash over Rayner sacking