Burnham may still decide to wait longer before announcing a bid to become Prime Minister after Starmer sent MPs a warning around votes.

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

British prime minister seeks to head off internal Labour challenge ahead of key byelection

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tried to ward off an expected leadership challenge by saying he wants would-be rival Andy Burnham to play "a big role" in his Labour government.

Burnham may still decide to wait longer before announcing a bid to become Prime Minister after Starmer sent MPs a warning around votes.

Labour mayor giving advisory roles to ex-Bank of England economist and others seen as attempt to reassure markets

The Manchester mayor convincingly won a poll that means he can return to parliament and challenge Keir Starmer for the top job.

Former Manchester mayor had made it clear he would challenge Sir Keir Starmer if he won the Makerfield by-election

Burnham says he will run in any leadership race, and is the frontrunner to replace Starmer.

Andy Burnham has won a parliamentary seat. This move fuels speculation about him challenging Keir Starmer for Labour leadership. Several pathways exist for Burnham to potentially…

After winning the Makerfield byelection, the returning Labour MP faces a number of scenarios in his bid to replace Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer could reflect on the scale of Burnham’s win and step down immediately. He could also put up a fight

If elected, the Greater Manchester Mayor will likely drag the Government further to the left, increasing taxes and spending, and therefore borrowing.

By Miriam Mukuru and Renae Dyer

Burnham is a former government minister who has been Greater Manchester mayor since 2017. | World News

From hints of income tax to reducing the welfare bill, here's what an Andy Burnham premiership could look like

Andy Burnham could implement radical policies if he is made Prime Minister though he still faces hurdles ahead.

Andy Burnham, a 56-year-old politician nicknamed the King of the North, has emerged as the top contender to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party…

A source who has had extensive interactions with members of Burnham’s inner circle says there are nine contenders to be his chancellor.