Watch the moment GB News presenter Alex Armstrong clashed with Steve Reed after the Housing Secretary rejected claims that a looming “civil war” was brewing inside the Labour Party.
Speaking on GB News Breakfast in the wake of Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election, Reed stressed that the newly elected MP’s immediate focus would be on “electing a new mayor of Greater Manchester”.
He congratulated Burnham on his win, telling GB News: “I’m really pleased Andy has secured that victory in Makerfield. People were saying right up to the end that it was too close to call, so I’m glad he got over the line.
“He stood as the Labour candidate in that by-election and ran a very strong campaign. I look forward to welcoming him to Parliament on Monday as the new MP. Well done, Andy.”
When pressed by host Ellie Costello on whether he was “backing the wrong horse” after Burnham’s win, Reed dismissed suggestions of a looming leadership contest.
He said: “I’m genuinely delighted Andy won and I’m looking forward to seeing him back here. I’ve known him for years and he’ll be a great addition in Parliament.
“He brings a lot of experience from Greater Manchester, but I know what his focus will be now. Whatever the speculation, one thing is certain: there will be a by-election to choose a new Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“That’s one of the most important political roles in the country, and from what we saw in Makerfield, it will be a straight contest between Labour and Reform.
“We need to choose a strong Labour candidate and win that mayoralty, and that only happens if we stick together rather than turn on each other. That’s what Andy will want as well.”
Addressing Burnham’s growing popularity, Reed was also asked whether the new MP would be a stronger Prime Minister than Sir Keir Starmer, who has faced criticism over his approval ratings.
He defended Starmer, saying: “Every one of the last four prime ministers has ended up unpopular in office. Being Prime Minister means making difficult decisions to fix the problems we inherited from the Conservatives.
“What matters now is bringing together all the talent we have. This Government is made up of many MPs, and we need to use the best of them. Andy Burnham is now part of that, and he has a big role to play.”
Challenging him, Alex Armstrong pushed back: “Come on, let’s be honest. I know you’re a politician, but let’s deal with reality.
“Andy Burnham has repeatedly hinted at a leadership challenge. That’s going to happen, and it will plunge your party into civil war if the Prime Minister refuses to step aside. So who would you back — Burnham or Starmer?”
Reed rejected the claim, responding: “No. There are people out there, like Reform, who would love us to go down that road, but we’re not going to do that.
“We’re focused on the Greater Manchester mayoral race and on delivering change for people across the country.
“As Andy said in his victory speech, people want to feel real change in their lives. Our vision is clear. We want unity and focus, not internal division.
“We’re not going to turn inward and fight each other like the Conservatives did. We’ve seen the damage that causes, and we won’t repeat it.”
In his own victory remarks, Burnham assured voters that his Makerfield seat would not be a stepping stone to higher office.
“It will never be a stepping stone for me, but a touchstone,” he said. “Makerfield will be a test at the heart of British politics, ensuring neglected communities finally get fairness.”
