Labour MP would quit to get Burnham back in Commons and replace Starmer

SIR Keir Starmer's leadership was thrown into fresh chaos yesterday when a Labour MP said he would be willing to quit to allow the return of Andy Burnham.

- BY CHRISTIAN CALGIE Senior Political Correspondent

Norwich South Left-winger Clive Lewis said he is prepared to end his Commons career in order to help replace the Prime Minister, in an effort to save the country.

Mr Lewis, who became the first Labour MP to publicly call for Sir Keir's resignation last week, told the BBC: “We're in a quandary, it feels like we are in checkmate, it’s hard to see a way out of it.

“It's a question I've asked myself, and I'd have to obviously consult with my wife as well and family. But do you know what, if I'm going to sit here and say country before party, party before personal ambition, then yes, I have to say yes, don't I.”

Asked for clarity by the interviewer whether he would really be willing to abandon his seat for the Manchester mayor, he replied: “I would yes.”

Last week. Mr Lewis warned he cannot see how the Government ‘can stagger on” without a change of leadership.

GRANDEES

“And I think the Labour Party, the Labour grandees, the men in grey suits now really, seriously think, how can we get Andy Burnham back into this Parliamentary Labour Party and let him step up and become the next Prime Minister?

“That's my personal view. I know it won't be shared by everyone, but I don't see many other options.”