British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration is engulfed in turmoil following a disastrous local election result for the Labour Party last week. The party suffered a significant defeat, raising serious questions about Starmer's leadership and the direction of the government.

Starmer has been dogged by controversy over the appointment of Jeffrey Epstein associate Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, as well as frustrations with slow-moving domestic policy changes. Despite calls to resign, Starmer has so far refused to step down.

More than 80 MPs have urged him to quit, while four junior ministers have resigned. Labour figures appear to be rallying around Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential challenger. Former health secretary Wes Streeting publicly backed Burnham, stating he is the party's best chance of winning.

A special by-election would need to be held for Burnham to return to Parliament in the Makerfield constituency. Labour MP Josh Simons resigned his seat earlier to allow Burnham to compete. Party leadership has expressed support for the move.

However, Burnham's path to Downing Street is not straightforward. Labour's National Executive Committee must first approve his candidacy. If the by-election proceeds, it could be held as early as June, with Reform UK's Nigel Farage vowing to mount a strong challenge. Burnham would then need support from 81 Labour MPs to launch a formal leadership bid against Starmer.

Source: www.aljazeera.com