Andy Burnham has fuelled Labour leadership rumours by refusing to commit to serving a full term as Greater Manchester Mayor.
The former minister failed to quash speculation about his plans in an interview as Keir Starmer struggles to stabilise the government.
Mr Burnham stressed his 'full intention' was to remain in post until elections in May 2028. But he admitted he 'didn't know' if he would try to become an MP again if there is a by-election in a Manchester seat.
The mayor also suggested a return would need to be a response to demands for a new leader, telling BBC local radio it would not be him 'putting himself right out there again'. He ran unsuccessfully against Jeremy Corbyn in 2015.
The latest sign of manoeuvres against Sir Keir came as a poll put Labour on its lowest ever support of just 16 per cent. The Find Out Now research found Reform was way ahead on 34 per cent backing - although the firm has consistently detected bigger advantages for Nigel Farage's party than other pollsters.
