Exclusive: The Independent understands Andy Burnham’s team are already making detailed plans for his Downing Street operation with internal polling suggesting he will ‘embarrass Reform’ in next week’s Makerfield by-election

Keir Starmer has been vowing to fight a challenge - which could come within weeks if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election next Thursday.

'Tempting to sack Rachel Reeves' as Chancellor, says one Cabinet source