Top Burnham ally launches scathing attack on Starmer

One of Andy Burnham's closest allies has launched a damning attack on Sir Keir Starmer on the eve of Labour's conference, accusing the prime minister of overseeing “rot” in the Labour Party.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Former donor Sacha Lord said it is the first of the party's annual gatherings he will miss since joining in 2022, accusing Sir Keir of having abandoned Labour's values.

He lashed out at "poor decisions being made from the top" and warned hundreds of Labour councillors stand to lose their jobs in May as a result.

Mr Lord was Greater Manchester's nighttime economy adviser under Mr Burnham for seven years until January, and his intervention comes amid mounting speculation that the so-called King of the North is plotting a bid to oust Sir Keir.

He has repeatedly entertained rumours he is gunning for the Labour top job amid one of Sir Keir's toughest spells since the general election. And last week, Mr Burnham refused to rule out stepping down as mayor early to return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir.

Mr Burnham has long been a favourite to succeed Sir Keir and is a strong ally of Lucy Powell, who is favourite to win Labour's deputy leadership contest. He also has the support of culture secretary Lisa Nandy as well as other cabinet ministers.