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

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’?

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…