Andy Burnham

He is hoping to win Thursday’s Makerfield by-election, with speculation he could then launch a campaign to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.

Labour MPs are reportedly rallying behind Burnham, signaling a potential leadership fight against Sir Keir Starmer.

The Greater Manchester Mayor is emerging as a serious Labour leadership contender, forcing Starmer allies into open political warfare to suppress his support within cabinet.

A Sun column frames Burnham, currently Greater Manchester Mayor, as the one Labour figure credible enough to take on Farage in Makerfield.

The Greater Manchester Mayor opened the door to a major tax cut and is being openly discussed as a Labour leadership challenger to Starmer.

Burnham has publicly stated Thames Water should be nationalised, framing public ownership of water companies as a live option under any future leadership he might lead.

Burnham called for Thames Water nationalisation and said public ownership of water companies would be an option under a potential leadership bid.

Burnham is debating Reform UK's controversy-hit candidate Kenyon at the first Makerfield by-election hustings, making the contest a high-profile proxy battle for Labour versus Reform in the North.

The Greater Manchester mayor has given an exclusive interview signalling he would move immediately on social care reform if he became prime minister, positioning himself ahead of a possible Labour leadership contest after the Makerfield by-election.