There is not a leadership contest to enter “at this stage”, says deputy prime minister David Lammy as he offers his full support to Andy Burnham for the Makerfield by-election.@DavidLammy | @CalumAM pic.twitter.com/VTTS23yujL
— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) June 5, 2026
Brits are used to being taken for fools by Labour ministers. Whether it’s condescending Keir pretending that giving away the Chagos is good for national security, or Ed Miliband still insisting his Net Zero zealotry will lead to cheaper energy bills. But this morning, dear David Lammy took treating the public like mugs to new heights.
Last night, Andy Burnham famously decided finally to say the quiet bit out loud and admit that he will attempt to waltz into Downing Street should he emerge victorious at the Makerfield by-election. Yet appearing on Times Radio, the Justice Secretary repeatedly insisted the by-election had nothing to do with knifing the Prime Minister and that there was no leadership contest going on ‘at this stage’. Both categorically false – though the race is still in its ‘shadow’ rather than formal stage. Lammy, bless him, also tried to argue that the small matter of Sir Keir simply isn’t coming up on doorsteps up north. No, no: voters are strictly discussing the NHS and the cost of living.
The Justice Secretary said:
Of course I want Andy Burnham to win…There is no contest at this stage. The truth is at the moment what we’ve got is a by-election in Makerfield, I want us to win it. And I want us to focus on governing the country.
Another 10/10 Labour denial of reality from a Cabinet minister. Buckle up for weeks more of it!
