Andy Burnham isn’t the Messiah. Like Starmer, he’s just a man who needs our prayers

British politics is once again in turmoil. Yesterday, less than two years since winning a massive 174 majority in the House of Commons, Keir Starmer stood outside 10 Downing Street and announced his resignation as leader of the Labour party, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister.

But why has his Premiership ended so soon? The short answer is found in May’s terrible local election results. Labour MPs were spooked. They fear losing their seats at the next general election and are seeking a short cut to popularity. Andy Burnham may or may not give them that, but they are willing to take the gamble. As one Labour MP told me last week: “Andy is our last roll of the dice.”

What went so wrong since that heady July day in 2024 when Labour won the general election? Firstly, Labour seemed to lack any plan or vision for the country. The Conservatives were so unpopular that Labour rode to power on the basis of who they weren’t rather than what they stood for.

Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister promised a government “unburdened by doctrine”. In reality it seems to have been a government unburdened by purpose… and so, in turn, it has become an administration buffeted by every change in the wind.

The problem with popularity

This was seen in the number of unpopular decisions made by this government. Labour MPs rebelled against plans to abolish the winter fuel allowance and cut welfare. The family farm tax threatened to harm rural communities by forcing farmers to sell up. And we should not underestimate the power of the Israel/Palestine conflict in polarising voters and severing politicians, especially Labour ones, from their supporters.

Added to this is the sense that Starmer simply isn’t a great communicator. He was initially popular because he seemed like a calm, serious antidote to the personality politics of recent years. But he lacked the fleetness of foot needed when things looked tricky. 

As a result, Labour MPs are now convinced that the grass is greener on the other side. As things stand, a Burnham coronation looks probable, with his most likely leadership rival Wes Streeting offering his support. Labour’s hopes will now be pinned on the King of the North’s ability to communicate with voters and his record as Greater Manchester Mayor.

However, let’s be clear: Andy Burnham is not the messiah, as was joked yesterday in parliament! He previously lost two Labour leadership elections – one of them, quite badly, to Jeremy Corbyn - and while he’s been a good mayor, it’s a much easier job than being prime minister.

If he is appointed, Burnham would be our seventh PM in just ten years. As Christians, how should we respond to the instability that yet another change of leadership brings to the country?

Praying for political peace

Firstly, let’s recognise the human dimension here. Whatever you might think of Starmer, he has committed a huge amount of time and energy to the job of prime minister. Now he’s been told by his own party that he’s not good enough. Let’s not underestimate the toll that this will take on him personally, and on his family.

Secondly, let’s remember we live in a broken world. Winston Churchill famously said that “democracy is the worst form of Government… except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Democracy provides checks and balances that prevents power being concentrated in too few hands, but it will always be a flawed system. Today, this is compounded by broken trust in leadership and authority. If we keep chopping and changing leaders every couple of years, I do worry about the stability and security of our democracy.

We will always be disappointed by our leaders, and they will always fail to live up to our expectations. No political leader can offer salvation, and we must remember that our hope is in Jesus, our true Saviour, who promises to restore all of creation. So, let’s not despair, but instead care about politics and intercede for our government.

God ordained human governments to deliver order and justice for their citizens. This includes providing political stability so that people can live “peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). A pre-requisite for this, says Paul, is that “all petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made…for… all those in authority”.

Christians must take this responsibility seriously. Let’s not be tempted to shrug, shudder or turn away, but to commit ourselves to praying for our government and our nation today.