- Allies of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham claim Downing Street is involved in a plot to undermine his bid to return to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election.
- Concerns have been raised that the Labour leadership may offer only 'soft-play' support for Burnham, while some MPs suggest he could bring back former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled in 2024.
- Polling experts, including Professor Sir John Curtice and Lord Robert Hayward, predict Burnham would become the next Labour leader if he secures victory in Makerfield.
- Sir Keir Starmer has pledged '100 per cent' support for the Labour candidate in the by-election but has refused to set a timetable for his own departure as leader.
- Lord Hayward suggested that comments by Wes Streeting about rejoining the EU could jeopardise Burnham's chances in the strongly pro-Leave Makerfield constituency, while allies of the prime minister believe Burnham's diverse support base is already fracturing.
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