Andy Burnham has been warned against making Ed Miliband his Chancellor should he become prime minister - or risk his premiership being 'over before it's begun'.

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.

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

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham secured a decisive victory in…

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

From public ownership to devolution and the cost of living, the policies of the potential Labour leadership challenger will face intense scrutiny

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

But Keir Starmer insists he will fight a leadership contest and urges Labour to “to pull together” and “avoid plunging the country into chaos”

Ed Miliband had been tipped to take up the role but Burnham's allies fear his opposition to North Sea drilling could be problematic

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

Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, suggested that Mr Miliband might 'decimate' Britain's industry if he is put in charge of the Treasury.

Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, suggested that Mr Miliband might 'decimate' Britain's industry if he is put in charge of the Treasury.

Andy Burnham has been warned against making Ed Miliband his Chancellor should he become prime minister - or risk his premiership being 'over before it's begun'.

Left-wing trade unionists and bond traders have also found themselves in the unusual position of uniting to warn against a Miliband appointment

The challenger to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership made a series of expensive commitments during his by-election campaign - but is yet to set out how he will fund them.

The challenger to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership made a series of expensive commitments during his by-election campaign - but is yet to set out how he will fund them.

One of the biggest concerns for the financial markets will be who will take up the role of chancellor under a new Cabinet.

Miliband embodies everything the market fears about a Burnham premiership. If it happened, it would mark a sharp shift to the left.

Rachel reeves expected to be axed as Chancellor if Burnham becomes PM

Briefing war breaks out between advocates for Wes Streeting and those close to Ed Miliband