Andy Burnham hits back at Labour critics over challenge to Starmer

Andy Burnham refused to tell the Guardian whether he had spoken to Labour MPs about returning to Westminster and challenging for the leadership of his party. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Andy Burnham has hit back at Labour colleagues who have criticised him for challenging Keir Starmer during a Labour party conference that has been dominated by speculation over the prime minister’s leadership.

The Greater Manchester mayor rejected attacks by members of his own party who have accused him of launching a pre-emptive putsch against Starmer, saying the criticism “sticks in my throat”.