Burnham Mayor hits back at critics but dampens talk of launching leadership bid

Andy Burnham has hit back at colleagues who have criticised him for challenging Keir Starmer during a Labour party conference that has been dominated by speculation over the prime minister’s leadership.

- Kiran Stacey Policy editor

The mayor of Greater Manchester rejected attacks by members of his own party who have accused him of launching a preemptive putsch against the party leader.

Speaking at a live recording of the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast in Liverpool, he repeatedly refused to say whether he had spoken to Labour MPs about returning to Westminster and challenging for the leadership.

But he also attempted to calm relations with Downing Street, saying he had no ability to launch a leadership campaign while he was still mayor.

"It sticks in my throat somewhat to have people who have just arrived on the scene to be throwing some of the comments at me that they have done," he said. "I did everything I possibly could to make this conference a success, and I would suggest more than other people did."