- Key figures from Labour 's Blue Labour movement, including Lord Maurice Glasman and MP Graham Stringer, have publicly backed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the party's next leader.
- This endorsement marks a significant blow to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham 's leadership ambitions, as he was previously seen as a strong contender for the role.
- The shift in support comes amid discussions over Mr Burnham's stance on rejoining the European Union, a sensitive issue in the upcoming Makerfield by-election where he is the Labour candidate.
- Despite this, polling by More in Common suggests Mr Burnham is the best-placed leadership hopeful to challenge Nigel Farage, outperforming Keir Starmer in a hypothetical head-to-head.
- The Makerfield by-election will also see Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, whose X account has been suspended, as a candidate, with Nigel Farage expected to campaign for him.
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