Sir Keir Starmer is facing a leadership nightmare days before the Labour Party conference, after Andy Burnham confirmed Labour MPs want him to challenge the prime minister.
The Manchester Mayor has made several deliberately timed interventions, including one accusing the Prime Minister of creating a “climate of fear” among Labour MPs, which has led to “alienation and demoralisation” within Labour.
Mr Burnham admitted: “[MPs] have contacted me throughout the summer – yeah. I’m not going to say to you that that hasn’t happened, but as I say, it’s more a decision for those people than it is for me.”
Sir Keir's close ally Steve Reed was sent out to defend the Prime Minister, slapping down Mr Burnham and accusing him of taking "pot shots".
The Housing Secretary added that Mr Burnham will continue working for Manchester "until the end of his term", warning him not to abandon the city in the pursuit of his ambitions for the top job.
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