- Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, is reportedly planning a swift return to Westminster with intentions to challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
- He has allegedly identified several constituencies where incumbent MPs are prepared to resign, triggering by-elections to facilitate his re-entry into Parliament.
- Supporters reportedly hope to avoid a formal leadership challenge, instead aiming for Sir Keir to step aside following anticipated poor results in the May 7 elections.
- Mr Burnham was previously blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election 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 being considered, though one MP, Peter Dowd, has denied preparing to make way for Mr Burnham.
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