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London. British Labor Party MP Josh Simmons has vacated his seat for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Following the resignation of Josh Simmons, a by-election is scheduled in his constituency, from where Andy Burnham will be able to contest. Andy Burnham is being seen as a possible rival in the Labor Party against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Xinhua news agency reported. In his resignation letter shared on social media, Josh Simmons said that the government has failed to bring about the changes needed by his constituency, so he has decided to step down for a leader who has the radical thinking, energy and tremendous courage to face the current circumstances. Andy Burnham later confirmed on social media that he would request permission from the Labor Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the Makerfield by-election.

Burnham, an MP in the House of Commons (the lower house of the British Parliament) for 16 years, has been the Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. His previous attempt to return to Westminster was blocked by the NEC earlier this year. According to British media, Burnham is considered capable of garnering enough support within the Labor Party to challenge Starmer’s leadership. However, becoming an MP is a necessary condition for eligibility to contest elections for the leadership of the party. Meanwhile, pressure is increasing on Starmer to resign after the Labor Party’s crushing defeat in last week’s local elections. British media reported that more than 90 Labor MPs have called on the Prime Minister to step down, while several Cabinet ministers have expressed solidarity with him.

At the same time, British Health Minister Wes Streeting resigned by writing a letter on Thursday afternoon, in which he said that he no longer had confidence in Starmer’s leadership and could no longer remain in the government honorably and on the basis of principles. He also indicated that Starmer would not lead the Labor Party into the next general election. He urged the party to openly debate the leadership. In response, Starmer said he was saddened by Streeting’s resignation. The Prime Minister urged the party to be united for the nation and fulfill the promises made to the country. Earlier on Wednesday, Starmer warned that a leadership challenge against him would push the Labor Party into ‘chaos’. However, speculation about his replacement has intensified after poor results in the local elections.