Labour ‘behind’ Burnham, say party’s senior figures

SENIOR Labour figures have insisted the party is united behind leadership front-runner Andy Burnham and dismissed the prospect of a general election to secure a mandate for any major shifts in policy.

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed suggested Sir Keir Starmer’s likely successor would introduce “changes in emphasis” but stick to the “fundamentals” such as the Government’s rules on borrowing.

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said the newly-elected MP had built up “clear sense of purpose” and insisted people wanted the party to “get on with the job” rather than go to the country.

Mr Burnham defied national trends to increase Labour's vote share in the Makerfield by-election this month following its disastrous set of local election results in May, which intensified calls for Sir Keir’s resignation.