Warwickshire MP Rachel Taylor has publicly backed Andy Burnham to become the next Prime Minister, praising him for offering a sense of 'purpose and hope' for the country. Her endorsement follows the resignation of Keir Starmer on Monday, June 22, which has paved the way for the former Mayor of Manchester to assume the leadership.
Taylor's call for change
Taylor, who represents North Warwickshire and Bedworth, had called for Starmer to resign a month earlier after what she described as 'devastating' local election results. While she acknowledged Starmer's achievements, including slashing NHS waiting lists, stabilising the economy, and taking action on illegal migration, she argued that the Labour Party 'must be bolder' in delivering change.
In a statement on social media, Taylor said: 'One month ago, following devastating local election results, I called for the Prime Minister to step aside and for there to be an orderly transition to new leadership. As the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth my first and only duty is to my constituents. It is clear from the hundreds of conversations I have had on the doorstep recently that people in our area have lost faith in the Prime Minister’s leadership and believe there needs to be a change.'
Why Burnham?
Taylor highlighted her visit to Makerfield during a recent by-election campaign, noting its similarities to her own constituency. Both are former industrial communities where residents feel disconnected from prosperity and let down by successive governments. She met voters who were concerned about the cost of living and illegal migration, and who felt the system is stacked against hard-working people. Many had voted Reform in local elections out of anger but supported Burnham because of his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester and his message of hope, fairness, and unity.
Taylor stated: 'Andy Burnham offers that sense of purpose and hope that people want to see for our country, which is why he has my support in the upcoming leadership contest. I hope my Labour colleagues in parliament can unite behind Andy, so we can quickly establish a new Government and continue to focus on driving the change Labour was elected to deliver.'
Looking ahead
With Starmer's resignation, the Labour Party is now preparing for a leadership contest. Burnham, who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, is widely seen as the frontrunner. Taylor's endorsement adds to the momentum for Burnham, who has positioned himself as a candidate capable of reconnecting with working-class voters in towns and communities that feel left behind.
As the party moves forward, Taylor emphasised that a change of leader alone is not enough to solve deep-rooted challenges, but she believes Burnham's vision offers the bold change that people are crying out for.
