Andy Burnham avoids Keir Starmer’s Labour conference speech

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 10:35

By Ethan Davies

Andy Burnham chose not to watch Keir Starmer’s Labour Party conference speech in person, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.

The mayor of Greater Manchester decided against watching the address on Tuesday (September 30) to avoid creating a distraction from the Prime Minister’s speech.

The LDRS understands Mr Burnham’s team informed the PM’s aides on Monday (September 29) to avoid it being seen as a last-minute snub.

Mr Burnham has been subject to speculation he will mount a leadership challenge against Sir Keir after criticising the government in interviews he gave last week.

That led to top ministers and Keir Starmer himself to hit back against the mayor on the eve of the conference, held in Liverpool.

Mr Burnham later revised his position, saying he wanted to kick-start a debate within the party on how they can beat Reform at next May’s regional elections.

Nevertheless, he has been quizzed by journalists if he still harbours leadership ambitions, giving mixed messages.

When, during a podcast recording on Monday, he was asked if he would follow ex-New Labour cabinet minister Alan Johnson’s advice and ‘find a TV camera and say you will not stand against Keir Starmer’, he refused to be drawn.

“I remember Alan Johnson was not a model of loyalty,” the mayor replied. “I am not in a Westminster position. I have the ability to speak independently.

“I need to speak for the councillors in Greater Manchester who are worried about May 2026, and members of the Welsh Senedd and Scottish Parliament.”

However, he also repeated his ‘commitment’ to staying as mayor, choosing his current job over being Prime Minister in a quick-fire question round.

“I am committed to my role of Greater Manchester mayor,” he also said. “I cannot predict the future, but I am committed to the role.

“I have not missed Westminster that much. I love what I do in Greater Manchester.”

At his next event, a panel talk with thinktank IPPR North, he was asked a direct yes or no question — is Keir Starmer the right man to be Prime Minister?

“Yes,” came Burnham’s answer after being prompted.