Culture Secretary Says Leadership Contest Decision Is Personal for Prime Minister

The culture secretary told the BBC that any decision on whether to contest a leadership election is a personal one for the prime minister. She said the prime minister had shown before that he is up for a fight and that she would not write him off.

The culture secretary said last week's election results showed people feel they have not seen enough fight from the party. She added that voters want to see the party fighting harder, speaking louder, and doing more. She pointed to the prime minister's 2024 general election victory after sceptics said he would not be able to return the party to power in one term.

The culture secretary was campaigning alongside Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in Makerfield on Saturday.

The culture secretary voiced support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to be back in Parliament at the heart of power. Burnham is seeking to stand as the party's candidate in the Makerfield by-election and is widely expected to launch a leadership challenge if he wins.

The culture secretary said she does not think the prime minister should be replaced. She noted that the prime minister told journalists earlier this week he would stand if a leadership contest took place.