Manchester mayor targets June 18 parliamentary by-election before launching his bid for No 10.

The Greater Manchester mayor has previously heavily hinted but ducked out of confirming he would stand against Sir Keir Starmer if he wins a Westminster seat on June 18.

Andy Burnham says he doesn't want to get "ahead of himself", and must first win a by-election later this month.

Manchester mayor targets June 18 parliamentary by-election before launching his bid for No 10.

Manchester mayor still to confirm if he would trigger a contest

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The Greater Manchester mayor is currently standing as Labour's candidate in the Makerfield by-election in his bid to return to the House of Commons.

Cabinet ministers are bracing for a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership as early as the end of June if Andy Burnham succeeds in the Makerfield by-election