The Prime Minister's former chief of staff is understood to be once again offering advice to Sir Keir, despite exiting Downing Street in February over his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.

A return to Westminster for Andy Burnham is far from guaranteed, while Starmer could fight a leadership challenge and win

Keir Starmer’s grip on power appears more perilous after Andy Burnham unveiled a dramatic route back to Parliament and Wes Streeting quit the government