Greater manchester: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, seen as a potential challenger to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, declared that British politics 'needs a new script' as he launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election in northwest England, telling supporters that 'hope is in the air.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Burnham was welcomed by supporters at the launch event, where he expressed the significance of the campaign to him, stating, 'This means the world to me.' He emphasized the need for change in British politics, stating, 'Hope is in the air, can you feel it?' and highlighted that this election is not business as usual. Burnham urged the people of Makerfield to take part in writing a new script for British politics over the next four weeks.

Burnham positioned his candidacy as a move to reshape the Labour Party from within, asserting that a vote for him would be a vote to change Labour. He acknowledged the need for internal change within the party, stating, 'I know my own party needs to change. We need to be better than we've been. We've not been good enough.' He stressed that his election would signify a commitment to altering the Labour Party's current trajectory.

Burnham also expressed his support for electoral reform, advocating for a proportional system to be included in the next Labour manifesto. However, he acknowledged the importance of honoring existing manifestos by ruling out changes to the voting system before the next election.

Before any potential leadership aspirations, Burnham must first secure selection as Labour's candidate in Makerfield and win the seat in the by-election. To initiate a leadership contest, he would need the backing of 81 Labour MPs, representing 20% of the party's 403 MPs.

The Reform UK party has announced Robert Kenyon as its candidate for the by-election, while the Restore Britain party has selected Rebecca Shepherd. Keir Starmer, as the sitting prime minister and Labour leader, would automatically appear on the ballot in any future leadership contest should he choose to stand, and he would remain prime minister throughout the contest.

Starmer has said he intends to fight the next general election and dismissed speculation that his time in office could soon be coming to an end.