Burnham suffers blow as key Blue Labour figures back Mahmood instead

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKey figures from Labour's Blue Labour movement, including Lord Maurice Glasman and MP Graham Stringer, have publicly backed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the party's next leader. This endorsement marks a significant blow to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's leadership ambitions, as he was previously seen as a strong contender for the role. The shift in support comes amid discussions over Mr Burnham's stance on rejoining the European Union, a sensitive issue in the upcoming Makerfield by-election where he is the Labour candidate. Despite this, polling by More in Common suggests Mr Burnham is the best-placed leadership hopeful to challenge Nigel Farage, outperforming Keir Starmer in a hypothetical head-to-head. The Makerfield by-election will also see Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, whose X account has been suspended, as a candidate, with Nigel Farage expected to campaign for him. In fullSenior figures in Blue Labour turn on Burnham over BrexitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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