Labour MP urges Keir Starmer to set departure timetable after Makerfield by-election

A former health secretary said the prime minister should set out a timetable for leaving office once the Makerfield by-election result is announced on Friday morning. The MP stated he had "no doubt" a Labour leadership contest would occur, even if the prime minister chose not to step down. He added that he hoped Andy Burnham would win the by-election and return to Parliament.

Leadership contest expectations The former health secretary made the remarks during a speech in central London outlining his own pitch to become prime minister. He ruled out an early general election, supported the triple lock on pensions, and praised a former Conservative chancellor.

He said the prime minister should reflect on his position after the by-election results and set a departure timetable. The MP noted he had waited for the by-election result because one of the likely candidates was on the ballot paper.

Support and legacy comments The former health secretary addressed questions about his level of support among MPs after resigning from the cabinet last month. He insisted he had the backing of the roughly 80 MPs needed to appear on a leadership ballot.

He described the prime minister's legacy as the leader who "saved the Labour party from oblivion" after the Jeremy Corbyn years. The remarks come as a breaking news development, with further details expected.