Ed Miliband might be setting his sights beyond his energy remit should his long-standing colleague Andy Burnham make it through the doors of Downing Street, insiders have revealed.

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

The mayor of Greater Manchester and potential UK prime minister has more charisma than Keir Starmer, but critics lament he's a political weather vane

The Greater Manchester Mayor has been forced to retreat on various issues since standing in Makerfield

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…

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Ed Miliband might be setting his sights beyond his energy remit should his long-standing colleague Andy Burnham make it through the doors of Downing Street, insiders have revealed.

As the Makerfield by-election looks set to give Burnham a shot at No 10, the race for roles in his potential cabinet is heating up

Mr Burnham hopes to win Thursday’s Makerfield by-election and could then launch a campaign to replace Sir Keir as prime minister and Labour leader