Overview
- Speaking on BBC Politics Live, the Norwich South MP said he would give up his seat to help the Greater Manchester mayor return to the Commons to challenge Keir Starmer.
- Hours later, Lewis told local media he has no plans to resign and described his comment as a hypothetical answer consistent with his party‑first stance.
- Lewis has recently argued Starmer’s position is "not tenable" and confirmed he has spoken with Burnham about the situation.
- Burnham has been discussed as a potential successor but has previously said he has no intention of abandoning Manchester, without ruling out a future Westminster comeback.
- Party rules mean Lewis could not choose a successor and any by‑election would be uncertain, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting called Lewis’s remark peculiar and cautioned against taking voters for granted.