Greater Manchester mayor seeks to contest Gorton and Denton by-election in move that could set up leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer

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’?

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…

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 seeks to contest Gorton and Denton by-election in move that could set up leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer

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 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

Greater Manchester mayor said he had aimed to stop Reform’s ‘divisive politics’ after he was barred from contesting by-election

Analysis: The prime minister faced a conundrum – knowing Mr Burnham is the key to stopping Reform in both Manchester seats, David Maddox writes

Greater Manchester mayor’s hopes of imminent return as MP appear remote as relationship with Starmer at low ebb