‘It will be a bloodbath’ – why Starmer won’t go quietly
From Quite right! by The Spectator
June 9, 2026 · 30 min
About this episode
The episode discusses Keir Starmer's legacy and the implications of an Andy Burnham victory in the upcoming by-election.
This week: Keir Starmer’s legacy, Andy Burnham’s next move – and should there be a general election? With the Makerfield by-election just days away, Michael Gove is joined by Rachel Johnson to ask whether an Andy Burnham victory would spell the end of Keir Starmer’s premiership. Could Starmer really fight on – or is the Labour party heading for a regicidal ‘bloodbath’? They discuss Starmer’s record in government, whether Labour has become the ‘welfare party’, and if Burnham could offer the party anything more than a political glow-up. Also on the podcast: Kemi Badenoch’s revival, the threat from Reform, and whether the right is actually ready for a general election. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Michael Gove
Guest: Rachel Johnson
Topics covered
- Keir Starmer
- Andy Burnham
- Labour party
- general election
- political legacy
- government
- politics
Keywords
- Keir Starmer
- Andy Burnham
- Labour party
- general election
- politics
- Kemi Badenoch
- Reform
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Labour party, Reform, The Spectator
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