As a mayor Mr Burnham has to apply to Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in by-election

Andy Burnham is said to be seeking a Commons comeback to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s position, with claims he could stand in a by-election in Andrew Gwynne’s constituency

Speculation has spread over whether Burnham will attempt to return to pursue a Labour leadership bid

Starmer allies on Labour’s national executive committee reportedly trying to stop potential leadership rival from standing at by-election

Could an opening at a Greater Manchester constituency mark the first step of a long journey to Downing Street for the ‘King of the North’?

Our community has criticised Labour’s attempts to block Andy Burnham’s potential Westminster return, insisting: ‘If Burnham wants to stand, he should stand’

Despite the prime minister’s efforts to improve relations with his backbenchers, speculation about his future refuses to die down. With a path back to parliament opening up for…

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has been seen as a rival to Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour leadership

Could an opening at a Greater Manchester constituency mark the first step of a long journey to Downing Street for the ‘King of the North’?

With Keir Starmer floundering in the polls, Labour needs rescuing from the growing threat of Reform. Following news that a Greater Manchester constituency is up for grabs, Sean…

As a mayor Mr Burnham has to apply to Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to…

Supporters have warned Labour not to block the mayor of Greater Manchester, a leading rival of the prime minister, from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Greater Manchester mayor has applied to stand for Labour in Gorton and Denton, setting up potential fight for PM’s political future

Manchester mayor will find out today if Labour will allow him to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a potential leadership challenge

Labour's governing National Executive Committee is embroiled in a furious row over whether to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Labour sources say concerns were raised about the cost of a mayoral election and a "divisive campaign".

The mayor of Greater Manchester has been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer for leadership

Labour MPs warn prime minister the decision will trigger ‘bloodletting’ – but supporters back move, saying it will help party draw a line under recent ‘psychodrama’

Greater Manchester mayor will not be tested in tough byelection or against PM for now, but can continue to pose speculative threat

Preventing the mayor from returning to Westminster deprives the party of its most potent candidate in Gorton and Denton

Manchester mayor also voices criticism about ‘way party is being run’ and hits back at those supporting blocking of path back to Westminster