Leadership talk rife as Burnham heads for by-election

MAYOR of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has confirmed he wants to return to Westminster — a move that will fuel speculation he hopes to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham wants to stand in Gorton and Denton by-election

Mr Burnham is seeking permission from Labour's National Executive Committee to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election triggered by the departure of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne for health reasons.

The Labour leadership will face uproar if Mr Burnham is barred from standing, but it will not relish the prospect of renewed leadership speculation ahead of the May elections and the challenge of a Manchester mayoralty by-election.

Reform UK said it will “give it our all” in Gorton and Denton, adding: “This by-election is by no means a certainty for Labour, the Left-wing Greens will split their vote and we will be the challenger.”