Andy Burnham is not actually obliges to step down as Mayor to contest the Makerfield by-election, but if he does his departure would leave Manchester more susceptible to fragmented national politics

As the Manchester mayor searches for a path towards becoming Prime Minister, City AM sketches out what a Burnham government would look like.

Party confirms that no other candidates have been shortlisted for election expected to take place on 18 June

Contest could give Andy Burnham — who has eyes on the Labour leadership — a route back into parliament to challenge Keir Starmer.

Andy Burnham enters the Makerfield by-election race. His chances of winning now at 66% YES.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester would need to win the seat near before launching any formal leadership challenge

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Makerfield by-election, where Andy…

Andy Burnham is not actually obliges to step down as Mayor to contest the Makerfield by-election, but if he does his departure would leave Manchester more susceptible to…

Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that he would campaign alongside Andy Burnham in the crucial by-election

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater…

Andy Burnham hopes to return to Westminster by winning the Makerfield by-election

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launched his campaign for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, with a thinly veiled pitch for the keys to Downing Street