Biba 2026: Burnham has ‘eye on prize’ as PM’s future uncertain, says Burley

As the future of prime minister Sir Keir Starmer hangs in the balance, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has got his “eye on the prize”.

That is according to broadcast journalist Kay Burley, who was speaking to delegates at the 2026 Biba Conference.

Burnham was due to make an appearance at the opening session of the conference, participating in a fireside chat event led by Burley.

However, just ahead of the conference getting underway, Biba said it was informed by Burnham’s office that he can no longer attend for his session on 13 May 2026.

Burnham dropping out of the conference comes amid him being seen as a potential successor for Starmer.

“I’ve known Burnham for more than 20 years,” Burley said during the opening session.

“He’s been to my house for Christmas and he really is a decent human being.

“I get that he has an eye on the prize, but nonetheless, it is a shame he couldn’t be here to represent his city.”

View on Starmer

Starmer is currently fighting for his political future after the local council elections results and numerous calls from Labour MPs for him to step aside.

“His [Starmer’s] policies may well have been among the best for the country, and some undoubtedly were, but Starmer never seemed to be able to land them with the public,” Burley said.

She added: “[In] what could be the death throes of his tenancy in number 10 after less than two years at the top, I do find myself feeling for him.

“He pulled himself up by his bootstraps and reached not one, but two of the highest offices in the land.”

As Starmer held a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Burnham was spotted in London and The Telegraph said that ”two Labour sources confirmed a discreet gathering was under way in London between Burnham and MPs supportive of his leadership ambitions”.

Burley said: “Do spare a thought for a man who genuinely, in my opinion, wants to make a difference, but never quite mastered the art of making his case.

“Is it too late for him, might Burnham be our next prime minister? Certainly not for me to say.”