Exclusive: Andy Burnham Heading For Labour Leadership 'Coronation', Says Former Starmer Aide

James Lyons tells Commons People podcast Keir Starmer is unlikely to fight on if the Greater Manchester mayor wins in Makerfield.

Andy Burnham is likely to become Labour leader and prime minister without a contest if he wins next week’s Makerfield by-election, a former aide to Keir Starmer has said.

James Lyons told the HuffPost UK podcast Commons People that “we will see a significant number of MPs nominating Andy in a way that makes it very difficult for the prime minister to fight on”.

In those circumstances, Lyons said Starmer could agree to “some sort of stable and orderly transition” to Burnham.

The prime minister has told ministers that he will stand in a Labour leadership contest if one is triggered.

But Lyons, who was No.10 director of communications........

© HuffPost