Leaders fear backlash over Burnham's PM conflict

LOCAL POLITICIANS WORRY REGION WILL BE 'PASSED OVER'

- By JOSEPH ΤΙΜΑΝ

LOCAL leaders are worried that Andy Burnham's rocky relationship with the government will affect investment in Greater Manchester.

They fear the region will be 'passed over' as a result of his latest conflict with Keir Starmer.

It comes after the Greater Manchester mayor criticised the government and set out what he would do differently in a series of interviews ahead of the Labour Party conference this week.

Mr Burnham insists he supports the prime minister and is committed to his job as mayor - but he has not ruled out challenging Sir Keir for the leadership.