Andy Burnham planning return to Westminster ‘within weeks to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership’

Andy Burnham is reportedly planning a swift return to Westminster in a bid to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

According to reports GuardManchester’s Labor Mayor has identified several constituencies where incumbent MPs are ready to resign, thus triggering by-elections that could make it easier for him to re-enter Parliament within weeks.

His supporters are said to be keen to avoid a formal leadership fight against the current Labor leader.

Instead, they are reportedly hoping to initiate a process for Sir Keir to step aside following widely expected disastrous results for Labor in the May 7 election.

The alleged maneuver comes after Mr Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) earlier this year.

The seat became vacant after previous MP Andrew Gwynne left for health reasons.

The NEC reportedly justified its decision by citing fears that the Reform party could potentially take over the mayoralty, as well as concerns about the costs associated with holding a new Manchester mayoral election.

He is reportedly lined up with an “impressive” candidate to replace him as mayor, who The Guardian says is not an MP.

Mr Burnham, who served as health minister in Gordon Brown’s government, is also said to be preparing a progressive policy platform for the Government.

Constituencies in Merseyside and Greater Manchester are among those where MPs are prepared to side with Mr Burnham, The Guardian reported.

In an interview with the BBC earlier this week, Labor MP for Bootle Peter Dowd rejected suggestions he was preparing to make way for Mr Burnham.