Nandy would back Burnham in comeback to Westminster

CULTURE Secretary Lisa Nandy has said she would “support” Andy Burnham, a potential replacement for Sir Keir Starmer, if the Greater Manchester Mayor wanted to return to Parliament as an MP.

- By Jonathan Walker

The Cabinet minister’s comment follows reports that some Labour backbenchers want to ditch the PM.

Mr Burnham, due to appear at Labour's party conference, is seen as a possible challenger but would first need to be elected as an MP again.

Champion

Ms Nandy told an interviewer: “I love Andy and, whatever he decides to do, I'll support him.

“I think he’s been a fantastic champion for the North and whether he wants to do that as the Mayor of Greater Manchester or as a Member of Parliament, I think he’s got an enormous contribution to make.”

Sir Keir’s closest allies in the Government have been urging Mr Burnham — MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 — to stick to his mayor's role.