Sir Keir Starmer is actively working to mitigate the threat posed by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who may challenge his leadership following the Makerfield by-election on June 18. Starmer, emphasizing the need for Labour unity in a tumultuous global landscape, pointed out the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East as reasons to avoid internal strife. He also defended his leadership by referencing the mandate he received in the 2024 general election, stating that Labour should focus on fulfilling its commitments. Starmer's strategy includes highlighting positive economic indicators, such as unexpected growth rates and a decrease in net migration. Additionally, he has introduced measures like a temporary VAT reduction for family activities and a crackdown on children's use of social media, calling for tech companies to implement stricter controls. Moreover, Starmer is positioning himself as a global leader, engaging with international figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the G7 meeting.