- Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, is reportedly planning a return to Westminster with intentions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
- He has reportedly identified several constituencies where incumbent MPs are prepared to resign, triggering by-elections to facilitate his re-entry into Parliament within weeks.
- His supporters are said to hope Sir Keir will step aside following anticipated poor results for Labour in the May 7 elections, rather than facing a formal leadership challenge.
- Burnham was previously blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, reportedly due to concerns over the cost of a new mayoral election and the potential for the Reform party to win the mayoralty.
- Constituencies across Merseyside and Greater Manchester are reportedly among those where MPs might stand aside, although Bootle MP Peter Dowd has denied preparing to make way for Mr Burnham.
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