I have long admired Andy Burnham (Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exit, 19 June). As mayor of Greater Manchester, he has been a powerful advocate for fairness, inclusion and regional investment. As someone who grew up in Manchester, I am proud of what he has achieved. That is precisely why I was disappointed to hear renewed speculation about a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.

Many of us voted Labour in 2024 because we wanted stability after years of political turmoil. We were not looking for a political celebrity; we were looking for someone serious, competent and resilient enough to govern in difficult circumstances.

I do not agree with every decision that the government has made, but there is a significant difference between disagreement and destabilisation. Starmer inherited sluggish growth, overstretched public services and a volatile international situation. Yet he has remained measured and steadfast in the face of pressure from both political opponents and sections of his own party.

My respect for Starmer predates his political career. I first became aware of him through his involvement in the McLibel case, where he supported campaigners challenging McDonald’s and helped take the case to the European court of human rights. Long before entering politics, he demonstrated a commitment to justice and to those with less power than himself.

More recently, at the Pride in Place event in Hastings, I watched him respond to a challenging question with calmness and conviction. At a time when politics often feels noisy and performative, that was refreshing.

Britain’s challenges require patience, consistency and leadership. Whatever frustrations people may feel, now is not the time for Labour to turn in on itself.
Hannah Clay
Lewes, East Sussex

Keir Starmer is wrong to claim that he has a mandate from the electorate. People voted for Labour despite their dislike of him, in the hope that the promised change would be delivered. But what followed confirmed voters’ dislike, and they gave their verdict in subsequent elections. The Reform victories in local elections show just how disappointed and desperate voters are.

The Green party victory in Gorton and Denton, and Andy Burnham’s stonking win in Makerfield, show that voters have not given up hope that radical change is possible. Starmer has built his career on doing the right thing, and he will end his term as PM with dignity if he resigns now. Who knows, maybe he could become foreign secretary – the one area he has won respect. Stubbornly holding on to office will only bring ignominy and shame.
Christopher Rainger
York

As Labour MPs contemplate changing the prime minister, if the party is to practise what it preached throughout successive Conservative governments, a general election will have to be held within months (Burnham allies confident of No 10 ‘coronation’ after surge in backers, 20 June).

Not to hold a general election within a short period would be seen as the height of hypocrisy and give ammunition to opposition parties. Democratic legitimacy and credibility is a fundamental value of the Labour party.

Throughout the administrations of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, Labour led the charge in demanding a general election, arguing that the public should have the final say on a new leader’s agenda. While a prime minister derives authority from the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons, in today’s political world the leadership of the governing party is a major factor, and cannot and should not be ignored.
Lawrence Hardy
Norwich

Does encouraging groupies, calling oneself “King of the North” (or allowing others to do so), changing policy to suit the moment etc, remind one of a recent Tory PM? I think we should have learned by now that prima donnas don’t necessarily make good leaders of the country.

I’m glad Andy Burnham won the byelection, but it was a Labour seat anyway, and now Manchester may not have a Labour mayor.
Wendy Churchman
Birmingham

What we should be celebrating about Andy Burnham’s victory is not the prospect of an early challenge to Keir Starmer, which seems to be the main emphasis in the media, but the clear defeat of both Reform UK and Restore, which together polled less than Labour.

The Labour party should not allow itself to be pushed into what I suspect may turn out to be its Liz Truss moment. It has been too easily forgotten, and insufficiently mentioned in Starmer’s defence, even by him, just how much harm 14 years of ideologically driven austerity, plus Brexit, have done. “Steady” Starmer has been working to undo this – it will need more time, and he should be given it.
Adrian Cosker
Hitchin, Hertfordshire

I hope that Andy Burnham will implement electoral reform if he becomes Labour leader and prime minister. He has acknowledged the role of tactical voting in his impressive win – and should be aware of the 40% of those registered to vote who chose not to do so. That a 59% turnout should be considered acceptable should worry any democrat. It’s clear that many people are so divorced from politics that they can’t even be bothered to cast a vote in an “event” election such as Makerfield.

It would help foster inclusion if any legislation were preceded by a “national conversation” about the benefits of proportional representation, including views on a system that would deliver results that reflect the views of the electorate. It is likely this would lead to a wider discussion of our arcane constitutional arrangements, which is long overdue. The late Lord Hailsham warned of our “elective dictatorship” in 1976 and matters have not improved in the last 50 years.
Lyn Dade
Twickenham, London

Interesting logic: a 9,231-vote majority in Makerfield is apparently proof that Andy Burnham should lead Labour, but a general election victory delivering a parliamentary majority of about 170 seats isn’t enough for Keir Starmer to remain leader.

By that standard, every successful byelection winner should be preparing to move into No 10. Please rise above the clamour, for a change, and let Starmer get on with his job.
Aurelia Maynard
Camberley, Surrey