Starmer Set for Showdown to Block Rival Burnham From Commons

Keir Starmer is bracing for a potential showdown with a key left-wing rival in a test of the British prime minister’s power to stave off the gathering threats to his job.

While Labour Party officials have been anticipating a leadership challenge by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for months, his lack of a requisite seat in Parliament stood in his way. That barrier was lowered Thursday when a lawmaker’s resignation opened a plausible path for the so-called King of the North to return to Westminster.