Burnham was responding to a post on social media that reported claims from ‘sources close to PM’

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

Minister defends move, saying that a mayoral campaign in Greater Manchester would have ‘a substantial and disproportionate impact’ on party resources

Manchester mayor suggests claims he was told Labour would not give him permission to stand were untrue

Burnham was responding to a post on social media that reported claims from ‘sources close to PM’