Burnham warns Starmer's Labour faces election 'peril

A defiant Andy Burnham has hit out at those demanding he make “simplistic statements of loyalty” to Sir Keir Starmer, saying they are underestimating “the peril” facing Labour.

- KATE DEVLIN WHITEHALL EDITOR

The Greater Manchester mayor came out fighting after the prime minister compared him to the former PM Liz Truss last week, suggesting his economic plans would be disastrous for the country.

Speaking yesterday as the Labour Party’s conference got underway in Liverpool, Mr Burnham did little to play down the growing rift between the two politicians as he hit out at Sir Keir’s decision to suspend Labour MPs over the two-child benefit cap.

And, in remarks which inflame rampant speculation over his leadership ambitions, he also said he wanted to reform the whips system at Westminster - which only a PM could attempt.

He warned of the difficult elections facing Labour in Scotland and Wales, which it is on course to lose next year.