Starmer may face dreadful consequences

ONCE Andy Burnham said he wanted to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer was left with only bad choices.

- LIZZY BUCHAN

Letting him run risked fuelling speculation he could mount a leadership challenge - as only MPs can stand to be leader. Add to that the prospect of fighting an unexpected mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester when Labour already faces difficult elections in Scotland, Wales and English councils in May.

Terrible results for Labour in these races could be a moment of real danger for Starmer, with Burnham and others with their eyes on the top job ready to pounce.

The other option, which the PM took, was to block him and cite the cost to the taxpayer of staging a mayoral race and the diversion of party resources from the May elections.